16/09/2026
6 games. 3 wins. 3 draws. 0 losses. 12 scored, 7 conceded.
It’s a pretty good start, and I’m deliberately posting this days later because the frustration has settled and we can actually discuss things properly.
I’ve seen the “Da Cruz is a coward” argument after the Richards Bay and Polokwane draws, and honestly, I don’t see it. We’ve looked more balanced, we’re finding our shape and the players are starting to understand their positions. The argument that we didn’t have a No.10 also confuses me Vilakazi was the 10, with Maboe and Ndlovu as the double 8s behind Ox.
Against Polokwane, we had 443 passes at 85% accuracy, 177 in the opposition half, 15 shots and 1.40 xG. That doesn't exactly scream defensive football. The problem was game management, not a lack of attacking intent. Both draws were frustrating because we had opportunities to win them.
But there’s another uncomfortable truth: when things start going well, some of us quickly forget that this squad still needs improving. Da Cruz’s options from the bench aren’t at the level they need to be in certain areas, and that isn’t necessarily his fault. A depleted squad was never going to be rebuilt in one window.
You can already see where we need more quality and different profiles. So yes, 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats is a positive start, but we can acknowledge that while also saying those two draws were frustrating.
It doesn’t have to be “Da Cruz is doing a great job” or “Da Cruz is a coward.” Football is far more nuanced than that.
We’re improving, but we’re not finished.
