Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs have officially ushered in a new chapter with the appointment of French tactician Fernando da Cruz as their permanent head coach.
The 54-year-old has signed a two-year contract with an option for a further year, with his tenure set to officially begin on 1 July 2026.
The announcement has sparked major excitement among the Amakhosi faithful, who are eager to see the club return to dominance in South African and continental football. Da Cruz arrives at Naturena with an elite coaching profile, holding a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in world football.
A Familiar Face with Global Experience
This appointment marks a return to familiar ground for Da Cruz, who previously worked with Kaizer Chiefs during a short pre-season spell two years ago. His tactical input at the time left a strong impression on the club’s leadership.
Following that stint, he went on to serve as Technical Director of the Moroccan Football Federation, a role he held until June 2026.
Da Cruz has built a strong reputation through his work in European football, including multiple spells at French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC, where he worked within elite development structures alongside renowned coach Marcelo Bielsa.
During his time in France, he contributed to the development pathways of several top international talents, including:
- Eden Hazard
- Victor Osimhen
- Idrissa Gueye
- Lucas Digne
Proven Success in African Football
Beyond his European background, Da Cruz has also delivered success on the African continent. In the 2022/23 season, he guided Moroccan giants AS FAR to the Botola Pro League title.
His experience in African football, combined with a strong focus on youth development and academy structures, aligns closely with Kaizer Chiefs’ long-term vision of building a competitive, talent-driven squad.
New Technical Team Structure
Kaizer Chiefs have also confirmed a refreshed technical setup to support the new head coach:
- Assistant Coach: Mahmoud Abbas, a 35-year-old Egyptian tactician known for his continental experience and tactical adaptability
- Sports Science Director: Julien Le Heran, a French performance specialist tasked with modernising fitness, recovery, and injury prevention systems
Pre-Season Plans Underway
The Kaizer Chiefs squad is set to return to training on Thursday, 18 June 2026, as preparations begin for the new campaign.
During the initial phase, assistant coach Mahmoud Abbas will oversee fitness testing and early conditioning work. Da Cruz is expected to arrive in South Africa within the next two weeks to officially take charge of the team.
Once on the ground, he will assess the squad before leading an intensive pre-season training camp aimed at implementing his tactical philosophy and building cohesion ahead of the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
Further updates regarding squad adjustments and technical changes are expected to be announced in due course.
