Kaizer Chiefs have officially ushered in a new era. Head coach Fernando Da Cruz arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday to begin work ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
The Frenchman reported to the club’s Naturena headquarters. He met the players and technical staff before taking charge of his first training sessions.
His arrival comes two weeks after the squad returned for pre-season. With the coaching staff keeping preparations on track while awaiting his arrival from Morocco.
DA CRUZ READY FOR KAIZER CHIEFS CHALLENGE
Da Cruz joins the Betway Premiership after spending the past two seasons as Technical Director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Based in Rabat, he oversaw football development structures while working closely with youth teams, coaches and the senior national side.
Morocco are currently the only African nation to have reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It underlined the progress made by the country’s football structures in recent years.
The 53-year-old says he is eager to begin the next chapter of his coaching career.
“I’m very happy to be here. The club has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve followed its journey closely over the past two years,” Da Cruz said.
“Kaizer Chiefs is a massive institution with passionate supporters and a proud history. My focus is to build a strong connection with the players, create a winning mentality and work together to achieve the success our fans deserve.”
MOTAUNG JR WELCOMES NEW ERA
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr believes the arrival of Da Cruz signals the start of an exciting new chapter for the club.
He said the club is looking forward to seeing the coach implement his ideas as Amakhosi continue preparations for the new season.
With pre-season now in full swing, all eyes will be on Da Cruz as he begins the task of restoring Kaizer Chiefs to the summit of South African football after years of inconsistency.