Da Cruz opens up on two Kaizer Chiefs players

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz sees quality in both players. However, each of them has different obstacles to overcome before they can wear the jersey.

Mayo, who has been injured since the start of the season, is edging closer to full match fitness.

FERNaNDO DA CRUZ UPDATE ON MAYO AND IGHODARO

Da Cruz has offered an update to say Mayo is getting closer but should not be thrown into highly demanding fixtures like th Soweto Derby.

“Mayo is not far, he’s a quality player but for this game he was not physically ready to play this type of game,” Da Cruz told journalists after the Soweto Derby 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates.

The Frenchman added to say his Nigerian striker Ighodaro is yet to grasp the tactical principles of what the coach is building at Naturena.

“He must walk into the game, and with Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him,” Da Cruz said.

“He can be another solution. When we play teams like Pirates, we need to be physically ready. You see the last 20 minutes, they are full of intensity, they introduce fresh players with quality, so we must be ready.”

CARLING KNOCKOUT ACTION

In the meantime, Amakhosi will be switching focus from the Betway Premiership to cup action. Chiefs will be at home to Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals. The game is set for on Friday 6 November. The venue and kick-off time are yet to be confirmed.

The last time the two sides met was back in September at the Dobsonville Stadium. Da Cruz’s side sealed a 3-2 win, thanks to goals from Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba. Faiz Abrahams’ wonderful freekick was chalked off as an owngoal.

CAN KAIZER CHIEFS WIN THE CARLING KNOCKOUT?

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