Chiefs stand by Da Cruz after Confederation Cup exit

Kaizer Chiefs have publicly stood by coach Fernando da Cruz and his technical staff after a painful early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, according to IOL.

Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr issued a statement on Saturday. He admitted the result was disappointing but said it would not change the club’s long-term sporting plan.

How Chiefs went out

Chiefs were beaten by Zambian side Red Arrows in the preliminary round. The tie finished 1-1 on aggregate and Red Arrows won the penalty shoot-out 3-2.

Chiefs did take the return leg 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Bradley Cross getting the goal. That was not enough to take them through, and the elimination has led to questions about the club’s ambitions in Africa.

Club asks for patience and unity

Motaung Jr said the club wanted to restate its full confidence in the coach and the wider technical team. He described them as the people leading a football philosophy and development pathway that the club believes will deliver lasting success.

He also pointed to the squad’s professionalism, work ethic and commitment to getting better. He said these remained intact despite the defeat and the injuries the team has had to deal with.

According to the report, the director argued that sustainable success depends on consistency, resilience and a clear plan. He said the club has made significant progress in key areas of its sporting project. In his words, “setbacks are a natural part of any ambitious journey”.

The club will review how the team has played, take lessons from the experience and make changes where they are needed. Motaung Jr said Chiefs would stay loyal to their style of play and their longer-term goals.

He thanked supporters for their backing and acknowledged their frustration. “Now is the time for unity, not division,” he said.

What it means for supporters

The message to fans is that no change is planned in the technical team for now. Chiefs had a difficult start to the 2026/27 season, and the Confederation Cup exit adds to that. They are the reigning Nedbank Cup winners, having won the competition last season.

The club’s focus now shifts to domestic competition. IOL noted that the technical team is under pressure to turn the club’s stated vision into better performances and results on the field.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.