Fernando Da Cruz believes Kaizer Chiefs were responsible for surrendering two points after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Richards Bay in the Premiership.
The result extended Chiefs’ unbeaten start to the season, but their head coach was left frustrated by the manner in which his side conceded, particularly after controlling large periods of the match at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Brandon Petersen’s error contributed to Richards Bay’s opening goal, while Nqaba Xulu’s header restored the hosts’ advantage before half-time. Chiefs eventually rescued a point through Siphesihle Ndlovu’s late equaliser.
For Da Cruz, the mistakes undermined what he considered an otherwise encouraging performance.
“We conceded that goal but after we continued to play well. We had a good first half, but we gave too many gifts to the opponents and we lost too many points,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV.
READ: PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE: Kaizer Chiefs Come From Behind Twice to Secure Draw Against Richards Bay
The Chiefs manager urged his players to maintain their approach rather than allowing the errors to affect their confidence.
“We need to continue to play like that because we had a good first half. It is not normal to concede two goals like that when we play this type of football and play so well,” he said.
Da Cruz was, however, encouraged by the contribution of his substitutes. Asanele Velebayi supplied the cross from which Ndlovu levelled, reinforcing the coach’s belief that Chiefs need strength throughout the squad.
“Our substitutes made a very good job. We need to keep this mindset because we don’t need 11 players, we need a complete squad,” he said.