Da Cruz calls for greater personality and character from his players

Da Cruz was speaking after watching his team dominate Siwelele FC but still concede two goals, in what was a narrow 3-2 win over the Bloemfontein side at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto last night. 

Playing in wet conditions, Chiefs were in control, and it was a game they should have won comfortably. But it’s the defensive lapses that Da Cruz is concerned about.

"In the first half we were very good in possession. We created a lot of chances but we were not strong enough inside the box and normally we need to come back to the dressing room with two or three goals more than the opponent,” Da Cruz said. “Then we scored our second goal but directly after Siwelele scored their first goal we were worried and on the defensive part it was not good. 

“We scored again but since the first goal of Siwelele we were worried on the field and we were afraid and we had a lack of personality on the field. 

“To conclude we deserve the three points if you look at all the games but our regret is that the opponent came two times into our box, they scored two times so they have 100% success."

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Chiefs’ goals came from Mfundo Vilakazi early in the first half, Wandile Duba, and an own goal from Siwelele goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu that came off Faiz Abrahams’ free kick. 

With Chiefs’ next game only next Saturday away to Polokwane City, Da Cruz is planning to spend this week rectifying their defensive challenges, which have seen them concede five goals in the last three matches.

"The first step is to make much analysis and to correct the technical side but it's not only that, I think also it depends on the spirit and the mentality of the players and to have personality on the field,” the coach added.