Makua reveals where Da Cruz got it wrong after Soweto derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs legend Frank Makua has questioned Fernando Da Cruz’s team selections following Amakhosi’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby

The Glamour Boys suffered another setback against their arch-rivals, with Makua believing that Chiefs had an opportunity to put the game beyond Pirates in the first half but failed to capitalise on their chances.

The former Amakhosi star also questioned the decision to leave Rushwin Dortley on the bench after his return from injury against TS Galaxy, while suggesting Lebohang Maboe was not fully fit for such a high-intensity encounter.

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“It was a nice game, it was a game of two halves you know, Chiefs were supposed to bury the game in the first-half, they created chances but they could not punish them. The second-half, Pirates came in and put pressure on Chiefs. Chiefs’ defence had too many gaps and Pirates ended up scoring,” Makua told KickOff. 

The former Amakhosi midfielder was particularly surprised by Dortley’s omission, insisting that Da Cruz should have maintained the defensive combination that performed well in the 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy.

“I think so (Da Cruz got Dortley call wrong), because against Galaxy they played very well, why now change it? If it’s not broken you can’t change it. I was surprised to see him on the bench and the balance was not there between Miguel and Moloisane," Makua continued.

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“For me, Miguel, Aikhona (No ways)! He’s got too many mistakes. At the back he (Da Cruz) got it wrong. I don’t know how, he was not supposed to play those two, the pairing was not good.”

'Disco', as the former midfield maestro was known, also questioned Maboe’s inclusion, believing the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had not completely recovered from his injury.

“Another player who did not perform on the day is Maboe, I don’t think he has fully recovered. You could see he was not 100 percent. The guy who played is (Sibongiseni) Mthethwa, he was there when we were defending, as well as attacking, he was helping us a lot.”

Despite the disappointment, Makua was impressed with Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba’s contributions, particularly during the first half.

“I was so happy also with (Mduduzi) Shabalala and (Wandile) Duba. Chiefs going forward they were playing, especially the first-half but the second-half we could not get it right," Makua added.

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Betway Premiership Fernando Da Cruz Frank Makua Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates Sentiment Soweto Derby