Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was critical of the side’s performance and new coach Fernando Da Cruz’s tactics despite Amakhosi lifting the 2026 Toyota Cup.
Chiefs managed to beat Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 at a packed Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday, courtesy of an early goal by Mfundo Vilakazi.
- ALSO READ: Chiefs Lift 2026 Toyota Cup
- Da Cruz Identifies Three Key Positions Where He Wants New Players
However, Khune was not too impressed with the way Da Cruz set up his team, criticising the lack of game-time for the club’s new players as well as the tactical setup.
“You can see even ball possession, Scottland had more ball possession than Kaizer Chiefs,” he said on SABC1.
“As soon as they get the ball, they will pump it forward… And we heard it’s coach Da Cruz’s philosophy to put the ball down and play but as the home team I didn’t see that happening.
“With a game like this, you should be giving more players, especially new players an opportunity.
“I [also] think they were predictable in most cases, most times of the games.
“You know Mfundo, he is a typical player playing in most cases from the left but cutting inside from the right. But he ended up drifting because he was locked in one side where if you show him the inside he’s forced to go inside but with the wrong foot.
“So as a coach I think Mfundo should be playing on the left, cause he’s left-footed. As soon as he gets the ball, he wants go wide, [but] there is no one inside the box to cross it. So he’s forced to go inside, then he’s going into the traffic and they will recover the ball and countre-attack.
“So very disappointed by how Kaizer Chiefs showed up today, but hopefully in the league, Chiefs will show up differently.”
‘A Confidence Booster’
Khune, though, did admit that finally lifting the Toyota Cup after previously losing 4-0 to Young Africans in 2024 and 3-2 on penalties to Asante Kotoko in 2025, is a confidence booster ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership.
“It’s the third edition of the Toyota Cup and in two editions Kaizer Chiefs didn’t win it at home,” he added.
“Again, it’s a good confidence booster for them and they are setting the tone for the new season.
“So I hope this is a good start of good things to come.”