Newly appointed Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach Fernando da Cruz has expressed his excitement at returning to the club and has vowed to instil a winning mentality and restore success at the Soweto giants.
Da Cruz officially arrived in South Africa on Wednesday and joined the squad at Naturena as Amakhosi stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season.
The 53-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached Lille, Mouscron, AS FAR Rabat and was previously assistant manager at Chiefs
Da Cruz has now been appointed as the club’s new head coach and is the successor to Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
The Frenchman believes hard work, unity and the unwavering support of the Amakhosi faithful will be key as he embarks on a new chapter at one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.
“I’m very happy to be here. The Club has always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve kept a close eye on its journey over the past two years.
“Kaizer Chiefs is a massive institution with passionate supporters and a proud history.
“My focus now is on building a strong connection with the players, instilling a winning mentality, and working together to achieve the success our fans deserve.
“The journey ahead will demand hard work and unity, but I’m confident we will rise to the challenge.”
Coach Fernando da Cruz is now fully in the building, stepping into his role with clear intent, strong leadership, and a shared belief in what this team can become.
With the full technical team in place, the focus is clear. Every drill matters. Every detail counts. Every day is a… pic.twitter.com/fjj43n7VCD
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 2, 2026
