Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has expressed dissatisfaction with the playing surface at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Red Arrows in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup in Ndola, Zambia.

The loss extended Amakhosi’s winless streak to six matches in all competitions, increasing pressure on Da Cruz and his squad. The Soweto giants must now deliver a convincing performance in the return leg in South Africa to overturn the deficit and preserve their ambition of reaching the competition’s group stage for a second consecutive season.

Da Cruz acknowledged that the condition of the pitch made it difficult for his players to execute their preferred style of football. Nevertheless, he maintained that his team adjusted to the circumstances and refused to use the playing surface as an excuse for the disappointing outcome.

The Chiefs coach explained that his technical team had studied Red Arrows’ approach before the encounter and anticipated that the Zambian side would rely on long passes, crosses and aggressive forward movements to create scoring opportunities.

According to Da Cruz, his players understood what their opponents intended to do and managed to control significant portions of the contest. However, he believes the decisive moment arrived when Chiefs conceded from a corner kick, ultimately allowing Red Arrows to secure a narrow advantage.

With the return fixture approaching, Da Cruz must find a way to improve his team’s attacking efficiency and defensive concentration. Chiefs will need a much stronger display in front of their home supporters if they are to remain in contention for continental silverware.

Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has addressed reports concerning his earnings during his time with the club. Khune rejected claims that he received R480,000 monthly, insisting that his salary from the Soweto outfit never exceeded R200,000 per month.

The former goalkeeper also stated that, to his knowledge, no player at the club earned R480,000 monthly during his playing career. He explained that endorsement agreements, including his partnership with Danone, alongside personal investments, contributed considerably to his overall earnings.

As preparations continue for the crucial return leg, Da Cruz faces mounting expectations to end Chiefs’ difficult run, rebuild confidence and secure qualification for the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-confederation-cup/da-cruz-slams-pitch-after-chiefs-defeat-in-zambia/