Fernando da Cruz addresses Adolf Mtasingwa lack of game time

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has explained why Tanzanian defensive midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bikegeko has seen limited game time thus far, with the 2026/27 campaign gathering momentum.

The 27-year-old midfield dynamo joined the Glamour Boys from NBC Tanzania Premier League outfit Azam FC in July on the back of an injury-ridden 2025/26 season, where he endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He has since featured for a total of 118 minutes in the famous black and gold jersey of Chiefs, making two substitute appearances in the Betway Premiership and started in the MTN8 quarterfinal defeat to Golden Arrows last month.

His last appearance for the Soweto giants dates back to the club's last league outing in the one-all draw with Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, where he replaced anchorman Siphesihle Ndlovu in the 67th minute.

When pressed about the player's lack of minutes, the Chiefs boss revealed the Tanzania international is still acclimatizing to the South African football landscape and says he will be afforded ample opportunities after the looming FIFA international break.

“It's related to his adaptation in South Africa because he arrived a little bit late and joined our pre-season,” said da Cruz through physical trainer Julien Le Heran, who translated the French tactician's words into English.

"So, he needs time to adapt to our model game. But I trust in him a lot, and after the international break we will play a lot of games, so I will need everyone and Adolf will get minutes in that period.

With Chiefs set to square off against Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, Mtasingwa will be looking to add to his appearance tally as Amakhosi aim to return to winning ways.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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