BREAKING: Kaizer Chiefs announce new coach

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the appointment of Fernando da Cruz as the club's new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Frenchman put pen to paper on a two-year deal that will keep him at Naturena until June 2028, with an option to extend his stay.

He takes over the reins from co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who guided the club to a third-place finish with 54 points last season.

Chiefs, as a result, booked their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup next term, and qualified for the MTN8 after missing out in the previous two editions.

Moreover, the Soweto giants touched the 50-point mark for the first time since the 2019/20 campaign where they finished second under Ernst Middendorp.

Now, the club is set to usher into a new era with the well-travelled 54-year-old who had stints at Lille of France and Morocco's AS FAR, among others.

Notably, da Cruz is no stranger to Chiefs as he was part of Nasreddine Nabi's technical team upon the now-Raja Casablanca boss' arrival in South Africa in July 2024.

However, he asked to be released from his contract in favour of a Technical Director role with the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

“Kaizer Chiefs are pleased to announce the appointment of Fernando da Cruz as Head Coach. He has signed a two-year contract with a one-year option, effective 1 July 2026,” read the club statement.

"Born in France, Da Cruz comes highly qualified with a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching certification in football.

"He worked briefly with Chiefs during the pre-season two years ago before joining the Moroccan Football Federation, where he served as Technical Director until the end of June. He will officially take charge of Amakhosi at the beginning of July.

Whether Da Cruz will return the Soweto giants to the pinnacle of South African football remains to be seen amid pressure that comes with the hotseat.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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