Kaizer Chiefs' coach Fernando Da Cruz gestures during the Carling Knockout round of 16 clash against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium

Image: Itumeleng English / ANA Studio

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has responded to the endorsement from sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior, emphasising that the club is continually searching for ways to improve.

Amakhosi have experienced mixed outcomes this season, recording several draws in the Betway Premiership and suffering an early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup before the group stage.

Prior to Tuesday night’s 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout round of 16, growing frustration among supporters led to calls for Da Cruz and his staff to be sacked. However, Motaung Jr. stood firm, pleading for patience and backing the technical team to turn things around and achieve consistency.

Speaking after the cup win over Galaxy, which kept Chiefs' silverware hopes alive, Da Cruz thanked Motaung Jr. and the board for their backing while detailing their collaborative process.

“You must know that I meet with the sporting director at least once every three or four months to speak about the team and the project,” Da Cruz explained.

“The confidence that he has shown in us regarding daily work is very important. Even if we win, draw, or lose, we need to analyse the situation very well. In our meetings, we always speak about the way in which we can improve the team.

“Today, I am not a better coach than last week because we were eliminated from CAF.”

Da Cruz noted that were it not for several draws and contact-induced injuries to key players, Chiefs would be enjoying a far stronger campaign.

“The board and the sporting director are there every day to see the commitment of the staff,” Da Cruz added. “When we analyze the situation, we feel we were unlucky with the draws because we deserved to win.

“We have been unfortunate with injuries because we have a lot of them, and they are through contact.”

The convincing win over TS Galaxy provides Chiefs with a welcome boost ahead of Saturday’s Soweto derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. A victory at FNB Stadium would further validate the faith shown by Motaung Jr. and the club's board.