Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has made improving the club’s attacking output a central objective for the new Premiership season after admitting the gap to the league’s leading teams was too large last year.
Chiefs built their campaign on a strong defensive foundation, finishing with the second-best defensive record in the division behind champions Orlando Pirates. Yet their inability to convert enough chances ultimately undermined any realistic title challenge.
Amakhosi ended the season as the fourth-highest scorers in the league, trailing Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Lamontville Golden Arrows. The scale of the problem was highlighted by the numbers: Sundowns scored 24 more goals than Chiefs, while Pirates finished 25 goals ahead of them.
Speaking at the Premiership launch in Johannesburg, Da Cruz said attacking improvement had become a clear priority.
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“We always want to improve the level of our team and we know the team defended very well in previous seasons,” he said. “But the gap between Chiefs and the two teams above us was a little bit high, so that is definitely an area we want to improve.”
The Portuguese coach stressed that the solution would not come from relying on one prolific individual. Instead, he wants a more cohesive attacking identity, with better movement, combination play and decision-making across the squad.
Chiefs have strengthened their options during the transfer window as they attempt to build a team capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Da Cruz believes that only by matching their defensive resilience with greater attacking efficiency can they close the gap on Pirates and Sundowns.
Chiefs begin their campaign away to newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, with their early attacking performances likely to offer the first indication of whether meaningful progress has been made.