Overview
- Kaizer Chiefs officially announced Fernando da Cruz as head coach on Wednesday, signing him to a two-year contract with a one-year option that takes effect on 1 July 2026.
- The club also confirmed Egyptian Mahmoud Abbas as an assistant and said da Cruz will bring a UEFA Pro Licence, experience in Europe and Africa, and a reputation for tactical organisation and youth coaching.
- Da Cruz replaces interim co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef after their contracts expired following a third-place league finish and qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
- Early roster moves have begun with Aden McCarthy confirmed to have left and several players, including Fiacre Ntwari, George Matlou, Gastón Sirino and Nkanyiso Shinga, linked with possible exits as the new coach reshapes the squad.
- Supporters and pundits are divided over the appointment, with some welcoming continuity and a youth focus while others preferred a higher-profile name, and scrutiny will centre on transfers and results as preseason approaches.