Former Bafana Bafana left-back Tsepo Masilela has compared Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz to former Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim regarding their shared preference for playing with three centre-backs.
Speaking on Soccerbeat, Masilela evaluated the tactical identity of the Soweto giants under Da Cruz. While acknowledging that Amakhosi are finding the back of the net, the retired defender pointed out that recurring defensive mistakes are costing the team valuable points in the Betway Premiership title race.
“When I look at the way they set up, I don’t think they’re defensive, he could say he’s playing a winger a wingback in Pule Mmodi but also his team is scoring but the mistakes at the back always disappoint them and sees them drop points,” Masilela said on Soccerbeat.
Tactical Parallels Drawn to Old Trafford
Masilela drew a direct comparison between Da Cruz’s tactical rigidity and the situation Ruben Amorim encountered during his tenure at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach frequently faced demands from analysts and supporters to abandon his signature back-three formation in favor of a traditional English setup, yet he refused to compromise his core philosophy.
“It’s the similar things that happened to a Manchester United when they hired Ruben Amorim, even when he got suggestions that he should change his back three, he opted to lose his job while playing in a way he believed in,” Masilela explained.
The former South Africa international believes Da Cruz possesses that exact same stubbornness. According to Masilela, the French-born coach will likely continue deploying his preferred defensive structure regardless of outside pressure or occasional poor results.
Betway Premiership Standings and October Fixtures
Kaizer Chiefs currently sit third in the Betway Premiership standings after playing seven matches in the domestic campaign. Amakhosi have recorded three wins and four draws, keeping them unbeaten in the league so far.
Despite a promising start to the season, back-to-back draws have left Kaizer Chiefs seven points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. In addition to domestic league duties, Da Cruz’s squad is preparing to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next month.
Fernando Da Cruz tactics and Kaizer Chiefs league standing
Why is Tsepo Masilela comparing Fernando Da Cruz to Ruben Amorim?
Masilela compared the two managers because both favor a tactical setup utilizing three centre-backs and have shown a strict unwillingness to alter their formations despite external criticism and defensive vulnerabilities.
What is Kaizer Chiefs’ current standing in the Betway Premiership?
Kaizer Chiefs are currently placed third in the league table after playing seven matches, accumulating three wins and four draws to remain undefeated.
What upcoming competitions await Kaizer Chiefs?
Alongside their ongoing Betway Premiership campaign, Kaizer Chiefs are scheduled to begin their CAF Confederation Cup fixtures next month.
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