Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has spoken after his side’s exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, saying the team’s display against Red Arrows was very positive even though five players were injured. Amakhosi were knocked out after losing a penalty shootout following a 1-1 aggregate score in their second preliminary round tie.

Da Cruz explained that goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner missed the second-leg clash in Durban because he picked up a finger injury the day before the game. “Yesterday in the matchday minus one, Renaldo was injured in his finger,” the coach said. “So, he couldn’t play and we said yesterday, we haven’t been lucky with injuries.” Bruce Bvuma started between the posts in Leaner’s place and made his first appearance of the season. Leaner had been getting regular game time after first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was sidelined earlier in the campaign.

The coach highlighted the broader injury problems in the squad while still praising how the players performed on the night. “When you see our team today, we have five players injured, and when you look at the performance of the team, it’s very positive,” Da Cruz said. Chiefs went into the return fixture needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat from Zambia. They managed a 1-0 win on the night through Bradley Cross’s goal, which levelled the tie and forced the match into penalties. Red Arrows then advanced after winning the shootout 3-2.

Da Cruz’s comments come as Amakhosi continue to deal with a difficult period that has included several draws in the Betway Premiership and now an early end to their continental campaign. The French coach, who took charge at the start of the season, has pointed to the team’s effort and character despite the absences. Supporters and observers will now watch how the squad recovers from the setback and the injury list as they turn their attention back to domestic fixtures.

The revelation about Leaner’s injury has drawn attention because he had been performing well in goal during Petersen’s absence. With five players out, Chiefs had to make late adjustments for a match that decided whether they would reach the group stages. Da Cruz’s message was clear that the performance itself gave reason for encouragement, even if the result did not go their way. The club will hope the injured players return soon so the team can push for better results in the league.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2113901820762279969