Da Cruz stays calm after Chiefs' Soweto Derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has shown no signs of panic following his side's defeat to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates as the new season begins to take shape.

Amakhosi lost 2-1 to the Buccaneers in a fiercely contested Soweto Derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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The Glamour Boys, however, showed promise in the first half, dominating proceedings and creating a couple of notable chances but failing to make them count.

Abdeslam Ouaddou's side took control after the break and eventually claimed the bragging rights.

Da Cruz remains positive despite league gap

With Chiefs now trailing Pirates by 11 points and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points, Da Cruz believes his side can still close the gap, with only 10 league matches played so far.

"It is more difficult after this game, but the PSL is a long journey; there are 21 fixtures remaining," Da Cruz told the media.

He explained that his side could have more consistent performances once more of his players recover from injury.

"When we recover our injured players, because we were unlucky since the beginning of the season, I think that we will have more consistency in our performance because we have had a lot of draws since the beginning of the season.

"But, normally a lot of draws, normally we deserved to win this game, but because of our lack of experience, we didn't win this game, but it will turn on our side when we will recover all our squad.

"One moment, we must have some positive dynamic with some victory in a row to continue on this journey, but we must continue, and we must keep a positive mindset."

Chiefs turn attention to Carling Knockout

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Chiefs will return to action when they face Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-final on November 6, with the match scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium.

They will then look to get their league campaign back on track when they travel to face Chippa United towards the end of the month.

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Fernando Da Cruz Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates Presser Soweto Derby