Kaizer Chiefs Confirm Fernando da Cruz as New Head Coach
On Wednesday evening, Kaizer Chiefs announced the appointment of French‑born coach Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach, effective 1 July 2026. The club’s statement revealed a two‑year contract with a one‑year option, ending months of speculation linking the 54‑year‑old to the Amakhosi bench.
Why Da Cruz Was Chosen
The Chiefs highlighted several factors that influenced the decision:
- Da Cruz holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification recognised by European football governing bodies.
- He previously worked with the club during a pre‑season spell two years ago, giving him familiarity with the squad’s culture and playing style.
- His most recent role as technical director for the Moroccan Football Association (June 2024 – June 2025) demonstrated his ability to oversee player development at a national level.
According to the official release, “French‑born Da Cruz is highly qualified and holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching certification in football.” Kaizer Chiefs statement, 26 September 2025
Coaching Career Overview
Da Cruz’s journey in football coaching began in 2006 as an assistant coach at Wasquehal in Belgium. Over the years he has accumulated experience across several leagues and levels:
- Assistant coach, Wasquehal (Belgium) – 2006‑2008
- Youth team coach, Lille OSC (France) – 2008‑2012
- Youth team coach, Royal Excel Mouscron (Belgium) – 2012‑2014
- Temporary head coach, Royal Excel Mouscron – December 2014
- Scout, Lille OSC – January 2016‑2020
- Head coach, AS FAR Rabat (Morocco) – 2022‑2023
- Technical director, Moroccan Football Association – 2024‑2025
These roles have provided him with a blend of tactical knowledge, youth development expertise, and administrative experience—qualities the Chiefs say are essential for rebuilding a competitive squad.
Back‑room Staff and Immediate Plans
To support Da Cruz, the club has appointed:
- Mahmoud Abbas, a 35‑year‑old Egyptian coach, as assistant head coach.
- Julien le Heran, a French sports‑science specialist, to lead the conditioning and performance department.
Le Heran will oversee training preparations while Da Cruz finalises his relocation, with the new head coach expected to arrive in Johannesburg two weeks before the official start of the 2026‑27 season.
Context: The Interim Coaches’ Departure
Da Cruz succeeds interim assistants Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, whose contracts were not renewed despite guiding the team to a third‑place finish in the 2024‑25 Premier Soccer League and securing qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup for a second consecutive season. The club’s decision reflects a strategic shift toward a coach with proven UEFA‑level credentials and international experience.
What This Means for Amakhosi Fans
For supporters, the appointment signals a commitment to modernising the technical setup. Da Cruz’s UEFA Pro badge ensures he meets the highest standards recognised by continental football bodies, while his recent work in Morocco offers exposure to African football dynamics—a valuable asset for a club aiming to dominate both domestically and in CAF competitions.
As the new season approaches, fans can anticipate a training environment grounded in sports‑science principles, a tactical approach informed by European methodologies, and a coaching staff eager to blend local talent with international best practices.
