Khune questions Da Cruz despite Toyota Cup victory
Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has criticised the team’s performance under new coach Fernando Da Cruz despite Amakhosi lifting the 2026 Toyota Cup.
Chiefs defeated Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 at a packed Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, with youngster Mfundo Vilakazi scoring the decisive goal.
Despite the victory, Khune believes Chiefs failed to show the attractive style of football Da Cruz promised and questioned some of the coach’s tactical decisions.
“You could see Scottland had more possession than Kaizer Chiefs,” Khune said on SABC1 where he is now an analyst.
“As soon as Chiefs won the ball, they kept pumping it forward. We heard Da Cruz wants his team to keep the ball and build from the back, but I didn’t see that today.”
Khune also felt the match was the perfect opportunity to give more minutes to the club’s new signings.
“In a game like this, you should be giving more players, especially the new signings, an opportunity,” he said.
The former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper added that Chiefs looked too predictable going forward.
“I think they were predictable for most parts of the game.” He also questioned Vilakazi’s positioning, arguing the youngster was played out of his best position.
“Mfundo is naturally a left-footed player. He should be playing on the left. Instead, he was forced inside from the right, where defenders knew exactly what he wanted to do.
“He ended up running into traffic, losing the ball and allowing Scottland to counter-attack,” added Khune.
Khune admitted he was disappointed with Chiefs’ overall display but hopes the team will improve when the Betway Premiership season begins.
“I’m disappointed with how Kaizer Chiefs played today, but hopefully they will look different once the league starts.”
However, Khune praised Chiefs for finally ending their poor Toyota Cup record after defeats to Young Africans in 2024 and Asante Kotoko in 2025.
“It’s a good confidence booster for the team and hopefully it’s the beginning of better things this season,” he concluded.
