Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has called for greater leadership and character from his defence after the Soweto club edged Siwelele FC 3-2 in the Premiership on Sunday.
Chiefs returned to winning ways through goals from Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba, but Da Cruz was far from satisfied with the manner in which his side protected their advantage against opponents still searching for their first victory of the season.
The Frenchman acknowledged that Chiefs had created enough opportunities to put the game beyond Siwelele, but felt their inability to take more of those chances contributed to a nervy finish.
“We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t score enough,” Da Cruz told SuperSport. “In the second half we had two chances and scored two goals, so we have an issue with that.”
His greater concern, however, was at the other end of the pitch.
“We need to work a lot on our defensive part to not give chances to the opponent,” he said.
READ: PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE: Kaizer Chiefs survive late Siwelele fightback to maintain unbeaten start
Da Cruz believes the problem extends beyond individual errors, pointing to a lack of authority within the backline that needs to be addressed as Chiefs attempt to build consistency.
“We have a lack of leadership, lack of character in our defensive line, a lack of personality in our defensive line,” he said. “We need to correct that and work a lot.”
The victory kept Chiefs unbeaten while providing a welcome response to their recent draw with Richards Bay. Yet with the team conceding twice after establishing a commanding position, Da Cruz knows there is plenty of work ahead.
For Chiefs, the challenge is now to turn their attacking threat into greater control at both ends of the pitch as they pursue a sustained challenge near the top of the Premiership.