Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has questioned the maturity of his attack after Amakhosi were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium.
The result was Chiefs’ second successive draw in the Betway Premiership after they were held 1-1 by Polokwane City in their previous league outing. Their attacking struggles were again evident, with just one effort on target across 90 minutes.
Da Cruz was particularly frustrated after Lebohang Maboe saw his first-half penalty saved by Thakasani Mbanjwa, missing an opportunity to give Chiefs the lead.
“We have a lack of maturity on our front line,” Da Cruz told SuperSport. “There are a lot of young players, but players with a lot of qualities. They have a lack of maturity.”
Maboe was replaced shortly after the hour mark by Adolf Bitegeko after suffering an injury, forcing Da Cruz to alter his midfield.
READ: PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE: Kaizer Chiefs held to goalless draw against Golden Arrows
“Unfortunately, this injury arrived a little bit early in the second half, and that’s why we changed Maboe’s position,” the coach said. “Afterward, we were unbalanced in the middle of the field.”
Da Cruz insisted his substitutions were intended to find a winner, but Chiefs were unable to make their pressure count.
“We changed an offensive player to win the game because we always try to win,” he said. “Unfortunately, today we hit the post. We had opportunities, but we didn’t score.”
Despite the frustration, Da Cruz remains confident his side can turn their performances into results.
“We are on the right track,” he said. “We need to continue this way, and we are going to win games and score goals for sure.”
There was at least a positive debut for goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who replaced injured captain Brandon Petersen and produced a composed performance. His display could give Da Cruz another selection decision when Chiefs return to action.