{
  "id": 10407982,
  "title": "Chiefs legend unhappy with Da Cruz, compares him to Amorim",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/chiefs-legend-unhappy-with-da-cruz-compares-him-to-amorim",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:09:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/chiefs-legend-unhappy-with-da-cruz-compares-him-to-amorim/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nMasilela 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.\n\nFurthermore, 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.",
  "summary": "Masilela is not happy with Da Cruz's decision to utilise offensive-minded players like Pule Mmodi in deeper roles.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela doubts Fernando Da Cruz's appointment.",
    "Masilela compares Da Cruz's stubbornness to Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system.",
    "Masilela criticizes Da Cruz's use of offensive players in defensive roles."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}