‘Fernando Da Cruz will be fired by January’

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye does not believe head coach Fernando Da Cruz will finish the season at Naturena.

The outspoken analyst has predicted that the Frenchman could be shown the door by January following Amakhosi’s latest disappointing result.

Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening, extending their run of consecutive draws to three.

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye blamed Da Cruz’s team selection and tactical approach for the dropped points, insisting that the coach needs to improve his reading of matches.

“Kaizer Chiefs coach must take the blame for tonight’s draw. He must change the way he approaches games and his reading of the match. He needs to improve,” Khanye said.

“He played three consecutive draws, and how he approaches games will be his downfall. By now, he should have his main starting eleven. His team needs to have balance in defence and attack.”

Fernando Da Cruz underpressure

The former winger also believes Chiefs supporters are growing increasingly impatient with the coach, especially given the club’s recent struggles to turn draws into victories.

Khanye questioned whether Fernando Da Cruz would be able to succeed after previously working under former Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi alongside assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

“Personally, I think Nasreddine Nabi, Cedric Kaze, Khalil Ben Youssef and Da Cruz are the same because this coach was Nabi’s assistant. He is under pressure now, and I don’t think supporters will allow another draw,” he said.

With pressure mounting on Da Cruz to deliver results, Khanye believes the coach’s position could become increasingly difficult if Chiefs fail to turn their performances around.

The outspoken analyst has set January as his predicted deadline for the Frenchman’s tenure, warning that matches against title contenders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns could expose the team’s weaknesses.

“I don’t think he’ll survive this season. I give him until January. The likes of Orlando Pirates and Sundowns will expose him,” Khanye said.

Chiefs will need to find greater consistency if they are to ease the pressure on their coach and remain competitive in the Betway Premiership. Fernando Da Cruz will need to have a good cup run in the coming months to buy time with the league slippig away.

Fernando Da Cruz Misses Post-Match Interview

Da Cruz was unable to attend his post-match interview following the draw against Stellenbosch.

His assistant, Dillon Sheppard, explained that the Chiefs coach had fallen ill and was receiving medical attention.

“Coach has fallen ill. He was vomiting, so he is with the doctors, checking on him,” Sheppard said.