Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has identified the signing of a proven centre-forward as a key priority as the club looks to strengthen its squad and mount a serious challenge for trophies in the upcoming season.
Speaking ahead of the Toyota Cup, the Amakhosi mentor confirmed that the club is actively working to reinforce several attacking areas, with the search for a quality striker topping the recruitment agenda.
Da Cruz believes adding a reliable goalscorer will give Chiefs greater firepower in attack and improve their effectiveness in the final third.
“There are four positions offensively. A striker, new wingers and an offensive midfielder,” the Chiefs coach told the media during a press-conference on Friday.
“We have good profiles already, but we asked management to get different profiles, so that we can play different football and be less predictable.”
Chiefs have already reshaped parts of their squad ahead of the new campaign and further changes are expected, with DR Congo winger Glody Lilepo edging closer to the exit door.
Da Cruz confirmed the club is in discussions to part ways with the winger, while midfielder Thabo Cele has also been informed he is not part of his plans. Neither player travelled with the squad for their recent pre-season tour of Spain.
“With Lilepo, there are other opportunities and management are hoping to release him, they are in discussions,” Da Cruz said.
“With Cele, there are a lot of players in his position and I prefer other profiles, so for the moment he is not in our plans.”
Da Cruz reiterated that Chiefs are not setting limits on their ambitions this season, insisting they will fight for every trophy available.
“We will play every game to win. The championship is a marathon. You will not win it in December or January,” he added.
“You have to be close to the other teams in March or April. There are also the different cups and we want to win every game and every trophy.”
The Chiefs coach believes adding the right attacking players will improve the team’s ability to compete across all competitions as they prepare for Sunday’s pre-season clash against Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC in Rustenburg.