Da Cruz on why Mtasingwa has not been playing
Fernando da Cruz has an explanation for Adolf Mtasingwa’s quiet start at Kaizer Chiefs. It is not a lack of trust. It is time.
The 27-year-old midfielder arrived from Tanzania’s Azam FC in late July, days before the league kicked off. Pre-season was already rolling.
The system was already set. Mtasingwa has played three games across all competitions and has not locked down a regular place. Da Cruz says that was always likely.
“It is related to his adaptation in South Africa because he arrived a little bit late during our pre-season, so he needed time to adapt in our game model,” the coach told the media.
Then came the reassurance. “But I trust him a lot. After the FIFA break, we will play a lot of games, so we will need everyone and Adolf will get minutes in that period.”
Chiefs host Golden Arrows next Sunday, then the international break hits. After that the fixture list thickens. Da Cruz is signalling that the Tanzanian’s audition is not over — it was just delayed.
Mtasingwa came in as a defensive midfielder with a point to prove. For now, he is still learning the language of Amakhosi’s game. The coach’s message is simple: stay ready. The minutes are coming.
