Chiefs coach expands on his defensive options

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says he has two defensive systems in mind for the season after playing with three centre-backs over the last two Betway Premiership fixtures but conceding four goals in those matches against Richards Bay and Siwelele. 

Chiefs used Inacio Miguel in the middle and Thabo Moloisane and Zitha Kwinika to his left and right in the 2-2 draw with Richards Bay last week and then the 3-2 victory over Siwelele at Dobsonville on Sunday.

“I’m happy that we are able to play in two systems. But for the moment, it's related to injured players,” he said as left back Bradley Cross and utility back Reeve Frosler had been out before the Siwelele game, where the pair were on the bench for the first time this season and Frosler even got some late game time.

“Sometimes it will depend on the opponent and the profile of their players,” added Da Cruz.

“Sometimes we can play with three, sometimes we can play with four (at the back) and I’m happy that the team is able to play in different systems. We will not play with five at the back all season,” he said. 

Chiefs have made an unbeaten start of the season and sit in third place with 11 points from five games. But they have conceded six goals in those five games.

Last season, Chiefs conceded only 19 goals in their 30 league games, a record bettered only by champions Orlando Pirates, who conceded 12.