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 disappointing result extended Amakhosi’s winless run to six matches across all competitions, increasing pressure on the coach and his squad. Chiefs must now deliver a convincing performance in the return leg in South Africa to overturn the deficit and maintain 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. However, he refused to use the playing surface as an excuse for the defeat, maintaining that his team had adjusted to the challenging circumstances during the encounter.

The French tactician explained that Chiefs had anticipated Red Arrows’ tactical approach before the match. He expected the Zambian side to depend on long passes, crosses and energetic movement to create opportunities in the attacking areas.

According to Da Cruz, his players were prepared for those tactics and were not surprised by the hosts’ approach. He also believed that Chiefs controlled significant portions of the contest but ultimately paid the price for conceding from a corner kick.

The coach will now turn his attention to the return fixture, where his players must show greater determination and improve their performance if they are to progress to the next stage of the competition. The encounter represents an important opportunity for Amakhosi to regain confidence and end their disappointing run of results.

Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has addressed claims about his earnings during his playing days at the Soweto-based club. Khune rejected reports suggesting that he received a monthly salary of R480,000, insisting that his club wages never exceeded R200,000 per month.

He further explained that no player earned R480,000 monthly during his time with the club. Khune attributed a significant portion of his overall earnings to endorsement agreements, including his partnership with Danone, as well as investments outside football.

As preparations continue for the decisive second leg, Da Cruz faces mounting pressure to deliver a positive result, restore confidence within the squad and protect Chiefs’ continental ambitions. The outcome could have significant implications for the club’s season.

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