Fernando da Cruz clears the air on style of play

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has cleared the air on his preferred style of play, having opted to utilize the 3-4-3 system in several matches in the early stages of his tenure at Naturena.

The French tactician was roped in to replace co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who guided the club to a third place finish last season, and inked a two-year deal with an option to extend.

He has, however, been the subject of scrutiny over his decision to chop and change the formation, which has Pule Mmodi turning out as a left-back in some of the matches - a choice he has since clarified after the win over Siwelele FC.

“He is in the starting XI since three games, it's a good choice for him when we play a back five. So, he took his chance since three games. He made a good game today [vs Siwelele],” said da Cruz.

While a section of the Amakhosi faithful remain uncertain over the formation the team will utilize under da Cruz, the well-travelled mentor has set the record straight that the change of system is the consequence of injuries to influential figures.

“For the moment I'm happy that we're able to play two systems, but for the moment it's related to injured players. So, sometimes it will depend on the opponent, also on the different choice of profile of players,” added the Chiefs boss.

"Sometimes we can play a [back] three, sometimes we can play a [back] four, but it's just an option. And I'm happy that the team is able to play in two different systems.

"We want to have a hybrid team, so sometimes it will depend on the different parameters, but we will not play a back five all the season.

Chiefs, sitting third with 11 points accumulated from the opening five matches in the league, return to action with a Betway Premiership clash against Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

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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