Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz believes the team’s 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy can serve as the spark to restore confidence and turn around their season after a difficult stretch.

“I hope that now it’s the starter for us to keep confidence and we continue on this way,” da Cruz said after the match. The Portuguese coach was pleased with the efficiency his side showed as they booked a place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

Wandile Duba was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick in the second half. The 22-year-old opened the scoring in the 48th minute, added a second in the 62nd minute after the Galaxy goalkeeper saved a penalty, and completed his treble four minutes later. The goals gave Amakhosi a comfortable win and lifted the mood around the squad.

The result arrived at a good time for Chiefs. They had gone winless in their previous five matches and had just been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup after losing on penalties to Red Arrows. Pressure had been building on da Cruz, but the clinical display against TS Galaxy offered some relief and a chance to build momentum.

Duba’s three goals in 18 minutes were particularly impressive. He finished a cross from Pule Mmodi for the first, pounced on a rebound from the penalty for the second, and calmly slotted home a through-ball for the third. Brandon Petersen and Lebohang Maboe returned to the starting line-up after injury, while the defence kept a clean sheet against a Galaxy side that has struggled for results this season.

Da Cruz has stressed the importance of carrying this performance forward. Chiefs will now focus on their next challenges in both the cup and the Premier Soccer League, where consistent results are needed to climb the table. The win showed the squad can still produce the attacking quality and organisation expected of a big club when they click.

Supporters who watched the game at FNB Stadium left with renewed hope. For da Cruz and his players, the 3-0 scoreline is more than just a cup victory — it is the first step they hope will lead to a stronger run of form in the weeks ahead. The coach’s message was clear: this must be the start of better things for Kaizer Chiefs.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115188003840614697