Kaizer Chiefs captain Inácio Miguel has called on his teammates to take responsibility for the club’s recent struggles as pressure continues to build at Naturena. The Portuguese defender believes the players must improve their commitment and performances rather than blame communication challenges involving head coach Fernando Da Cruz. His comments come after Amakhosi suffered a defeat against Zambian side Red Arrows in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie in the CAF Confederation Cup. The result has increased the pressure on the Soweto giants ahead of a crucial return fixture. Miguel remains convinced that Chiefs can improve, but he insists that the players must take an honest look at their performances and make the necessary changes on the pitch.

The defeat to Red Arrows has raised further questions about Kaizer Chiefs’ performances under Da Cruz, particularly as the club looks to make progress in continental competition. Supporters expect the team to compete consistently and deliver results that reflect the club’s ambitions. However, recent setbacks have placed the players and coaching staff under greater scrutiny. As captain, Miguel has a central role in maintaining discipline, encouraging his teammates and helping the squad respond to difficult results. His latest comments suggest that he wants the players to focus on the areas they can control instead of allowing outside criticism to distract them from their responsibilities.

One issue that has attracted attention is the language difference between Da Cruz and his players. The Chiefs coach speaks French and relies on an assistant to interpret when communicating with the squad, prompting questions about whether the arrangement could affect tactical understanding. Miguel has rejected the suggestion that language is preventing the players from understanding the coach’s instructions. He believes football provides a common language through which players and coaches can communicate their ideas on the pitch. For the Chiefs captain, the most important factor is whether the players apply the agreed game plan and show the necessary determination during matches.

“No, obviously not, football has something specific, the language of football is universal. You don’t even need to speak, football talks for itself,” Miguel told the media. His response makes it clear that he does not consider the language difference a valid explanation for the team’s disappointing results. He acknowledged that coaches and technical staff often face criticism when a team struggles, but he argued that players must accept their share of responsibility. In his view, even the most experienced coach cannot deliver results without commitment and effective performances from the people on the pitch. His comments place the focus firmly on the squad’s attitude, execution and ability to respond under pressure.

Miguel went further by pointing out that appointing a famous or highly regarded coach would not automatically solve the team’s problems. He referred to José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola as examples of respected managers, explaining that coaching reputation alone cannot guarantee success. Players must still compete, follow instructions and demonstrate the commitment required to win matches. A team can have a detailed tactical plan, but that plan will only work if the players carry it out effectively during competition. Miguel’s argument is that Kaizer Chiefs must improve their performances regardless of who stands in the technical area.

The captain also insisted that communication between Da Cruz and the players remains clear. He said the squad understands the coach’s ideas and knows what is expected of them during matches. Rather than blaming the language difference, Miguel believes the players must acknowledge that their current performances have not met the required standard. This is an important message from a captain because it encourages accountability within the dressing room. His comments indicate that he wants the team to confront its weaknesses directly instead of searching for explanations that shift responsibility away from the players.

Miguel admitted that Kaizer Chiefs have not been performing well enough and called for a change in behaviour across the squad. He explained that the responsibility begins with him, recognising that a captain must lead by example before demanding more from others. His approach suggests that leadership involves being willing to question your own contribution as well as encouraging teammates to raise their standards. By openly accepting responsibility, Miguel has challenged the squad to approach the coming matches with greater urgency. He believes the players must show through their performances that they are capable of doing better.

The Portuguese centre-back also reminded supporters that the team has produced better performances in the past. He described the current difficulties as a phase that he hopes will pass, expressing the expectation that improvement can begin with the next match. While such confidence does not guarantee an immediate turnaround, it shows that the captain has not lost belief in the squad’s ability. The challenge now is to translate that belief into consistent performances and positive results. For Chiefs, the response on the pitch will matter more than any explanation offered before kick-off.

The upcoming CAF Confederation Cup return leg against Red Arrows gives Amakhosi an immediate opportunity to respond to the setback. The match is scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, with kick-off set for 18:00, according to the match details provided. Chiefs must approach the encounter with a clear plan and a stronger level of execution if they are to overcome the first-leg result. The players will need to remain organised defensively, create meaningful attacking opportunities and avoid mistakes that could make qualification more difficult. Miguel’s message places particular emphasis on commitment, which will be essential if the team hopes to produce the response its supporters want to see.

The second leg will also test the team’s ability to handle pressure during a period of increased scrutiny. Playing for Kaizer Chiefs brings expectations from a large and passionate supporter base, and disappointing results can quickly intensify criticism. The players must manage those expectations without allowing pressure to affect their concentration or decision-making. Miguel’s insistence on personal responsibility offers a clear direction for the squad as it prepares for the challenge. If the players demonstrate greater discipline and work together more effectively, they will have a better chance of improving their performance.

Da Cruz will also be looking for signs that his instructions are being applied more consistently. Although Miguel has dismissed the language barrier as a problem, the coach and his staff still need to ensure that tactical plans translate into effective football. Communication is important in any team, but so are positioning, movement, decision-making and coordination between players. The responsibility for improving these areas rests with the entire technical setup and the squad. The coming fixtures will provide further opportunities to assess whether Chiefs can turn their understanding of the game plan into stronger results.

Miguel’s remarks also underline the importance of leadership during a difficult period. As captain, he must help maintain unity while encouraging his teammates to accept criticism and work towards improvement. His willingness to include himself among those who need to do better sends a message that accountability should apply to every player. That approach can help establish clearer expectations within the dressing room, although lasting improvement will depend on what the team does during training and matches. Chiefs need consistent effort from the whole squad rather than relying on individual statements to change the situation.

Kaizer Chiefs now face an important moment in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, with the return fixture against Red Arrows offering a chance to respond to their first-leg defeat. Miguel has made his position clear by rejecting the language barrier as an excuse and calling on the players to take responsibility for their performances. His comments place commitment, honesty and better execution at the centre of the club’s efforts to improve. The captain believes the squad has the ability to perform at a higher level because it has demonstrated that potential before. Whether that confidence leads to better results will depend on how effectively the players respond when they return to the pitch.