Da Cruz draws strength from Chiefs hierarchy’s support vows to improve the team

Speaking to the media for the first time after the statement was released over the weekend, following Amakhosi’s elimination in the CAF Confederation Cup last Friday, after losing on penalties to Zambian side Red Arrows FC. This result put Da Cruz under pressure from Amakhosi fans, but Motaung’s statement restored some confidence in the technical team.

"Firstly, I would like to thank the club for the statement, the sporting director, as well as the entire board. And then, you must know it is very clear in the club that every month there is a meeting with the sporting director to discuss the team and the project of the club. It is very important, the confidence he has given us for the daily work that we have, and even when we draw, win, or lose, that every time we analyze the situation very well," said Da Cruz.

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Chiefs’ elimination in the CAF Confed meant that they couldn’t continue where they left off in the continental club tournament, after exiting in the group stages and missing out on reaching the last eight, just in the last game of the group stages. Da Cruz says Motaung Jnr and the Board are fully aware of the good work that they have been putting in to improve the game.

Before being eliminated by Red Arrows, Chiefs had only won one game in seven matches in all competitions and also fallen behind in the Betway Premiership log standings, dropping down to the fifth spot, behind newly promoted Milford FC. Da Cruz says injuries to key players in almost all the departments didn’t do them any favours.