Chiefs legend unhappy with Da Cruz, compares him to Amorim
Masilela is not happy with Da Cruz's decision to utilise offensive-minded players like Pule Mmodi in deeper roles.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela has expressed doubts about the club's decision to appoint Fernando Da Cruz as their head coach for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. Da Cruz took over after Amakhosi opted not to retain Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef as co-coaches. Although the team has started the season strongly, with no losses in seven matches, Masilela feels concerned about Da Cruz's coaching style.
Masilela believes the club failed to do adequate due diligence before selecting Da Cruz. He compares Da Cruz's stubbornness to stick with his defensive system to former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim's refusal to change his 3-4-3 system. Both cases, according to Masilela, led to the coaches losing their jobs.
Furthermore, Masilela notices that Da Cruz continues to use offensive-minded players like Pule Mmodi in deeper roles, which he believes weakens the team's defensive structure. Masilela states that while the team has scored 12 goals, their defensive mistakes consistently cost them points and hinder their performance. He concludes that Da Cruz could face a similar fate as Amorim if the club loses its identity under his leadership, as the coach refuses to adapt his playing style.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
