By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. released an official statement confirming full support in head coach Fernando Da Cruz and his technical team following the club’s exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chiefs were knocked out of the Confed Cup in the second preliminary round following a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Zambian side Red Arrows FC at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.
A 1-0 second-leg victory on the night saw Chiefs level the tie 1-1 on aggregate to force the match into penalties, where they ultimately fell short.
In a statement released by the club on Saturday, Motaung Jr highlighted what he described as ‘significant progress’ made in key areas under the French tactician.
“As a Club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the Head Coach [Fernando Da Cruz] and the entire technical team, “said Motaung Jr.
“They continue to have our trust as they lead the implementation of a football philosophy and development pathway that we firmly believe will bring sustainable success. Their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to improving the team every day remain irreproachable.”
“The team is fighting hard every game to uphold a high standard of performance, and yesterday, despite the result and the injuries we carry, that warrior spirit was visible on the field.”
Motaung Jnr has also called on the club’s faithful to unite and reassured them that the foundation laid will eventually bring the desired results.
“To our supporters, we acknowledge your disappointment and thank you for your steadfast passion and support, “he added.
“The standards at this institution remain as high as ever, and everyone within the football department is fully committed to meeting them.”
“Now is the time for unity, not division. We believe in the work being done, we believe in the people leading that work, and we believe the foundations being laid today will deliver the success our supporters deserve.”
Chiefs are currently in position five on the Betway Premiership log standings. They will take on TS Galaxy in the Carling knockout Cup Last 16 on Tuesday, 27 October.
Meanwhile Young Africans SC popularly known as Yanga have parted ways with head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
The South African coach started the season with five successive victories in the Premier League, earning him the Coach of the Month award.
However, Yanga suffered a 2-1 defeat to rivals Simba SC just after the international while they drew 0-0 with TRA on Saturday.
The club have now decided to move in another direction, despite the coach leading the team to the CAF Champions League group stages this week.
Elsewhere Golden Arrows have become the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout after they defeated Chippa United 4-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, on Saturday afternoon and Siwelele FC booked their ticket owing to a gruelling 4-3 win on penalties (0-0 after extra time) over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.