Da Cruz says Chiefs want value, not numbers, in January window

Fernando Da Cruz, the coach of Kaizer Chiefs, says the club will approach the January transfer window with quality in mind rather than quantity. He made the comments to the club’s official website, according to iDiski Times.

The Frenchman said there are still two months before the window opens, with matches to be played in the meantime. He stressed that getting the recruitment right matters, saying the aim is “to add value to the squad”.

Experience is the gap

Da Cruz pointed to a specific need. He said Chiefs lack experience in certain positions, and that more seasoned players would help the young, talented members of the squad grow and mature through daily training.

Chiefs have already been active this season. Seven players have arrived during the current campaign: Elias Mokwana, who joined most recently, along with Renaldo Leaner, Khanyisa Mayo, Langelihle Phili, Thabo Moloisane, Adolf Mtasingwa and Faiz Abrahams, who is on loan. According to the report, injuries have kept some of the squad from playing regularly.

The club’s recruitment has come under heavy criticism, the report noted, and results have been mixed. Chiefs have exited both the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup.

League position and Sunday’s match

In the Betway Premiership, Chiefs are fifth, even though they began the season at the top of the log.

Their attention now turns to a Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal against Siwelele FC today, Sunday. The match is at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, which is in Polokwane, and Chiefs face what the report describes as a tricky home tie. Kick-off is at 18:00.

What it means for supporters

Fans should not expect the club to simply add bodies when the window opens in January. Da Cruz has signalled that any new signings should fill the experience gap in the squad. Whether Chiefs can improve their league position and progress in the Carling Knockout before then may shape what they need.

This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.