Chiefs vs Sundowns: Da Cruz Admits Champions Have Key Advantage as Lineups Are Revealed
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has acknowledged that Mamelodi Sundowns will enter Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash with a significant advantage, with the defending champions benefiting from a settled squad and a coach who has been in charge for several years.
The two South African giants meet at FNB Stadium in a fixture that will provide an early test of Chiefs’ progress under Da Cruz.
While Chiefs are still adapting to the Frenchman’s tactical approach, Sundowns have built their style over a prolonged period. Da Cruz believes that familiarity could prove decisive when the two sides meet.
“The difference between Chiefs and Sundowns is that the players at Sundowns have played together for a long time,” Da Cruz said.
“Also, their coach has been there for a long time. Meanwhile, I have just arrived and I’m applying my game model on the field.
“Yes, the players are understanding very well, but we need time. So, it will be two different styles of football. But don’t worry, the team will be ready.”
Da Cruz Wants More Time to Build Chiefs
Da Cruz’s admission highlights the contrasting situations at the two clubs.
Sundowns have developed a familiar system with a group of players who have spent considerable time playing together, while Da Cruz is still attempting to establish his identity at Chiefs.
The coach believes his players are responding positively to his methods, but he has also warned that tactical development does not happen overnight.
For Chiefs, Saturday’s encounter will therefore be about more than the result. It will offer an indication of how quickly Da Cruz’s squad can execute his ideas against one of the country’s most established teams.
Despite the challenge, the Chiefs coach remains confident in his players.
Chiefs’ Possession Game Faces Its Biggest Test
Da Cruz has been encouraged by Chiefs’ ability to control possession during their opening matches of the season.
The coach believes his team has generally managed to dictate games with the ball, but he expects Sundowns to present a completely different challenge.
“Since the beginning of the season, I’ve been very happy with our ball possession,” he said.
“We have had more of the ball than our opponents. But maybe on Saturday it will be different, but sometimes we also need to keep the ball during this game.”
That could become one of the defining battles at FNB Stadium.
If Sundowns succeed in disrupting Chiefs’ possession game, Da Cruz’s side may be forced to adapt to a contest in which they have less control than they have enjoyed in previous fixtures.
Chiefs and Sundowns Lineups Revealed
With the highly anticipated clash approaching, both teams have named their starting XIs.
Kaizer Chiefs XI
Petersen (C), Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Moloisane, Maboe, Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Mmodi, Baartman, Phili.
Substitutes: Leaner, Solomons, Mtasingwa, Velebayi, Shabalala, Vilakazi, Ngcobo, Chislett, Duba.
Mamelodi Sundowns XI
Williams (C), Kekana, Johannes, Mudau, Modiba, Aubass, Allende, Mkhulise, Van Wyk, Matthews, Leon.
Substitutes: Goss, Mvala, Lunga, Ndlovu, Kekana, Zwane, Mokoena, Mailula, Mothiba.
A Major Test for Chiefs
The meeting represents another opportunity for Chiefs to measure their progress against the reigning champions.
Da Cruz has openly recognised the advantage Sundowns possess, but his message to his own players has been one of confidence rather than caution.
The French coach knows his team is still a work in progress. He also knows that matches against opponents of Sundowns’ calibre can accelerate that development.
For Chiefs, the challenge is now to turn promising possession numbers and growing familiarity with Da Cruz’s methods into a performance capable of troubling the champions.
For Sundowns, the objective will be to demonstrate once again why their settled squad and established system make them one of the toughest opponents in the Betway Premiership.
At FNB Stadium, the theory will give way to 90 minutes of football. And for Da Cruz, it will be an early opportunity to show how far his Chiefs project has already come.
