Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz admitted his side still have work to do defensively after securing a 3-2 victory over Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Glamour Boys appeared in control for large periods of the encounter after creating several opportunities in the opening half, but their failure to capitalise on those chances ultimately made the match far more difficult than it needed to be.
Chiefs were unable to put the game beyond Siwelele and were punished after the break, with the hosts scoring twice from limited opportunities via Aphiwe Baliti and Michael N’Guessan – to put pressure on the Soweto giants.
Da Cruz was particularly critical of his team’s inability to be clinical in both boxes, while highlighting concerns over the leadership and personality within his defensive line.
“In the first half we created several chances but didn’t score enough, in the second half, Siwelele had two chances and scored two goals, we have an issue about that, we need to improve our defence, not give these chances to opponents,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV.
Chiefs ultimately held on to claim all three points, with academy products Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba scoring to get them into a 2-0 lead but Da Cruz believes the manner in which they conceded remains a major area for improvement.
‘We lack leadership & character’
The French coach felt his side’s lack of efficiency in front of goal contributed to the pressure they faced later in the match, while defensive mistakes allowed Siwelele back into the contest.
“We created so much and didn’t score, so after you can make mistakes, we’re not clinical in the boxes, offensively and defensively,” he added.
Faiz Abrahams forced an own-goal from Samuleke Xulu in the second half but da Cruz was notably aggrieved by the lapses of concentration with a scathing assessment.
“We lack leadership and character, personality in our defensive line – so we need to correct that and work a lot.”
The result nevertheless gives Chiefs another important three points as they continue their campaign, unbeaten with three wins and two draws in their opening five games, leaving them in third place in the Betway Premiership.