Overview
- Fernando Da Cruz arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday and immediately reported to Kaizer Chiefs’ Naturena training base where he met players and led his first training sessions.
- The club announced Da Cruz in mid-June after he completed duties as technical director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and he returns to Chiefs after working with the team during the 2024/25 pre-season.
- Da Cruz has replaced interim coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze and will work with new support staff that include assistant coach Mahmoud Abbas, sports scientist Julien Le Heran, and youth coach Dillon Sheppard as second assistant.
- Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed defender Thabo Moloisane and are expected to step up recruitment under Da Cruz, with reported targets including forwards and creative midfielders such as Tshegofatso Mabasa, Lucas Ribeiro, and Kabelo Dlamini.
- The club says Da Cruz will focus on building close player relationships and a winning mentality, and his background in Morocco’s development system suggests tactical and youth-focused changes that could reshape Chiefs ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership.