Fernando da Cruz unfazed by pressure at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz takes no issue with the pressure that comes with spearheading the Glamour Boys, with the 2026/27 campaign on the horizon.

The Frenchman was appointed last month on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further year, succeeding co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

Chiefs finished third in the Betway Premiership last season under the guidance of the pair that were entrusted with steering the ship after the departure of Nasreddine Nabi.

Amakhosi booked their spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, as a result, and qualified for the MTN8, having missed out on the competition in the last two editions.

With expectations high following a respectable 2025/26 season, the new Chiefs boss is unfazed by the weight on his shoulders, stating that he's accustomed to pressure.

“I am obviously ready for this pressure, I know that I took a job with a lot of pressure around me, but there's no problem for me, I am used to manage with pressure around me,” said da Cruz through a translator.

"But we need our fans behind us, to push us to have the best results. We will give the best in every game, so we need everyone around us to push and to have a positive ambience around us also.

While he is ready to shoulder responsibility in the hotseat at Naturena, da Cruz is under no illusion about the demands from the passionate and vocal Amakhosi faithful.

“Our fans are very passionate, they love the club, when they speak they speak with pain. But I have been called to take good decisions everyday because sometimes you have to make quick decisions,” added the UEFA Pro License holder.

Chiefs, meanwhile, will commence their 2026/27 campaign with a Betway Premiership clash against newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 01 August.

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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