Breaking: Former Kaizer Chiefs striker calls for the departure of Fernando da Cruz

Will there be any real changes to the team?

Africa Today at 14:08

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Breaking: Former Kaizer Chiefs striker calls for the departure of Fernando da Cruz

Pressure is mounting on Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz after his side went down 1-0 to Red Arrows in last weekend's CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash.

For the French tactician, that outcome extended a frustrating sequence in the Betway Premiership to four matches without a victory — even though his record in the league remains free of defeats.

KENNY NIEMACH URGES KAIZER CHIEFS TO SHOW DA CRUZ THE DOOR

Kenny Niemach, a former striker at the club, insists that Kaizer Chiefs cannot afford to go another campaign without lifting a trophy. The Glamour Boys' most recent silverware arrived in 2024/25 through the Nedbank Cup — ending a ten-season drought.

In an interview with KickOff, Niemach recalled the mandate Da Cruz was handed when he put pen to paper, and made clear his view that the coach has fallen short of it. He also flagged the team's tally of five stalemates across eight league outings, stressing that failure to meet expectations should prompt the club to move quickly and secure the right man for the job.

“When this man signed the contract, he had a mandate. He has obviously not lived up to that mandate,” Niemach told KickOff. “Five draws in eight league matches? If those expectations are not met, we have to appoint the right coach as soon as possible,” he added.

Niemach was no less forthright about Da Cruz's position, casting doubt on the coach's tactics and on how solid the team looks at the back.

“He must go; he has not delivered. He is playing defensive football, but the team is still conceding goals,” Niemach said.

The ex-Amakhosi frontman further raised the question of whether Da Cruz has a proper read on the qualities and traits of the squad at his disposal. “That means he does not understand the characteristics of his players,” he added.

NIEMACH'S KAIZER CHIEFS STORY

Niemach's chapter as a Glamour Boy opened in August 2000, and he wasted little time making his mark — netting the winner against Orlando Pirates on debut. Affectionately dubbed "King Kenny," the forward grew into a vital component of the renowned "Operation Vat Alles" outfit assembled by coach Muhsin Ertugral, his physicality and know-how in attack dovetailing neatly with the side's young midfield.

Across a two-season stay, Niemach played his part in five trophy successes for Kaizer Chiefs — among them the BP Top Eight, the Coca-Cola Cup and the African Cup Winners' Cup, all forming part of a landmark cup treble. Though a foot problem kept him out of action from late 2002, he remained a much-admired figure for his habit of rising to the occasion in decisive fixtures, prior to his move overseas in 2004.