THE FUSE

Kaizer Chiefs manager Fernando Da Cruz will be expected to meet some stringent standards while he’s in the hot seat at the Soweto giants.

The Kaizer Chiefs hot seat isn’t for sissies

Anything can happen on any given day in a cup competition. The Chiefs board won’t be fretting just yet, but Fernando Da Cruz has already failed one of his first big tests at the helm. A 0-1 defeat to Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-finals was a bitter pill for fans to swallow, especially with that being the club’s first appearance in the competition since 2023. Fernando Da Cruz won’t have long to stamp his authority on things.

Also read: Chiefs stars on borrowed time – Reports

Da Cruz must take Kaizer Chiefs back into continental competition

Chiefs’ board will insist that Fernando Da Cruz elevates Chiefs to at least a runners-up spot during his tenure there. That would take them back into CAF competition and make them relevant on the continent again. Success in a cup competition will also be a priority. After MTN8 heartbreak, they’ve already lost one opportunity on that front. On the plus side, Chiefs remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership. They’ve won matches against Kruger United and Sekhukhune, and held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Seven points from a possible nine see Chiefs sit atop the embryonic table. Next up for the Glamour Boys is a trip to Richards Bay on 26 August. Let’s also remind ourselves that Chiefs won their opening three league clashes last term.

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