Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has opened up about the pressure he is facing within the club amid growing unhappiness behind the scenes.
According to sources within the club, differences have emerged among the Amakhosi hierarchy and staff over the coach’s team selections, as inconsistent performances and disappointing results continue to cause concern.
Chiefs have yet to suffer a defeat in the Betway Premiership, but their form across all competitions has been far from convincing. In their last eight outings, they have recorded just two wins, five draws and one loss.
Da Cruz, meanwhile, says he was fully aware of the demands that would come with coaching the Soweto giants. Despite the pressure, the Frenchman remains determined to focus on his job and find a way to make the club’s passionate supporters happy.
“From the day I joined Kaizer Chiefs, I knew that the pressure would be very high,” said Da Cruz.
“And I put pressure on myself every day; we try step by step to improve the level. We don’t get the results from the moment we expect them, and that the fans expect.
“I’m focused on my job; we are focused on the team to improve our level and get the results that we want. The most important thing for me is that the fans must be happy. We are only on our job.”
Da Cruz was also asked about Kaizer Chiefs’ decline over the past decade, during which the club has struggled to achieve success.
He explained that Amakhosi are still in the process of rebuilding, pointing to Arsenal’s journey under Mikel Arteta and Paris Saint-Germain’s wait for UEFA Champions League glory as examples of how long it can take to restore a club to the top.
“Everyone is free to think what they want; the most important thing is to continue to develop our club because we are only focused on that. And one more time, everyone can think what he wants,” he added.
“For example, there’s one club, Arsenal. It took seven years with Arteta to win one title.
“Paris Saint-Germain, it took 13 years to win one Champions League. So when we want to develop one project in one club, it takes time. It’s not from one day to the other day.”