Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has refused to pin the club’s MTN8 quarter-final exit on goalkeeper Brandon Petersen after Amakhosi suffered a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
The Soweto giants returned to the MTN8 after a two-year absence, but their campaign came to an abrupt end as Golden Arrows secured their place in the semi-finals.
Caught off his line
The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute when Khulekani Shezi caught Petersen off his line with a cross-cum-shot from the right.
Shezi picked up the ball out wide before noticing Petersen’s advanced position and sent the ball towards the Kaizer Chiefs goal.
The effort beat the 31-year-old Amakhosi goalkeeper at his near post to give Arrows the lead.
However, Da Cruz was adamant that the defeat could not be blamed on one individual.
“I don’t want to say we lost because of one player,” the new Kaizer Chiefs coach told SuperSport TV.
Da Cruz said he would review the goal before making a definitive assessment, while suggesting Shezi may have intended to deliver a cross rather than attempt a direct shot.
“I will look at the goal because I will watch the game, but I think the player missed his cross and we lost it.”
Kaizer Chiefs failed to take their chances
For Da Cruz, the bigger frustration was Kaizer Chiefs’ inability to convert their opportunities after falling behind.
Amakhosi pushed for an equaliser but could not find the finishing touch needed to force the match towards extra time.
“The score is unfortunately the only one goal changed in the half and after that we tried to come back, but we had a lack of efficiency there.”
The result ends Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of lifting the MTN8 trophy this season, while Arrows progress to the two-legged semi-finals.
For Amakhosi, there is little time to dwell on the disappointment.
Kaizer Chiefs return to FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 12 August when they face Sekhukhune United in their first home Betway Premiership fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
Da Cruz will now look for an immediate response from his side as Kaizer Chiefs turn their attention from cup disappointment to their league campaign.
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