Kaizer Chiefs seem to be in trouble. And the fans are running out of patience.

Amakhosi lost 1-0 to Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia on Saturday.

Their domestic form hasn’t helped, as the Betway Premiership has been a struggle too.

The heat is now squarely on coach Fernando Da Cruz. Supporters are unhappy with his set-up, and some want him back in France, where he comes from.

Da Cruz admitted his side fell short on Saturday, and that they are disappointing the supporters.

“We didn’t play well in the first half. We didn’t create many chances to score goals,” he said after the match.

“In the second half we made the mistake of conceding a goal late. Now we must look to the second leg because we know we can win it.”

He also complained about the pitch before the game.

“The pitch wasn’t in good condition for us to play the football we are used to. But we have to deal with those conditions, and I believe the players tried to do that.”

Asked about the pressure he is facing, Da Cruz didn’t flinch.

“Since day one I’ve had pressure, and today I still have it,” he said. “We’re not quick enough when attacking. What matters is that we keep working hard, and things will turn in our favour.

“We were ready for the game and we know they play long balls forward. They did nothing except that we conceded late. Apart from that we played well and we were the ones in control.”

Chiefs host Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday at 6pm. They need to win by two goals without conceding to reach the group stage.

Da Cruz made one last appeal: “We know the fans are upset because in the PSL we aren’t losing but we aren’t winning, and today we lost the first leg.

“But we need them to support us at home. We know we can win this game and book our place in the group stage.”

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