Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the appointment of Fernando Da Cruz as the club’s new head coach, ending weeks of speculation over who would lead the Soweto giants into the 2026/27 season.
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The French-born coach has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year and will officially take charge of Amakhosi on 1 July 2026. Da Cruz arrives at Naturena with a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in world football, and brings experience from both Europe and Africa.
For Chiefs supporters, the appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter as the club looks to build on last season’s encouraging third-place finish and continue its quest to return to the summit of South African football.
A Familiar Face Returns To Naturena
While Da Cruz may be a new head coach, he is not a new face at Kaizer Chiefs.
The Frenchman previously worked with the club during pre-season two years ago before leaving to join the Moroccan Football Federation. Since then, he has served as Technical Director in Morocco, gaining valuable experience in player development, technical planning and football administration at national level.
His previous association with Chiefs means he already has an understanding of the club’s culture, expectations and ambitions, which could help ease his transition into one of the most demanding jobs in South African football.
Why Chiefs Chose Da Cruz
Da Cruz arrives with a reputation for discipline, organisation and player development.
Throughout his coaching career, he has worked across several environments in Europe and Africa, while earning recognition for his technical expertise and structured approach to the game. Chiefs will be hoping those qualities can help create consistency and stability within the first team.
The appointment also marks a return to a more traditional coaching structure following the departures of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef at the end of last season. The club has opted for a single head coach model as it seeks to build a clear football identity heading into the new campaign.
Expectations Will Be High
There is no escaping the pressure that comes with managing Kaizer Chiefs.
Despite finishing third in the PSL last season, supporters remain desperate to see the club challenge more consistently for league titles and major honours. Chiefs remain one of the biggest clubs on the continent, and expectations will immediately be placed on Da Cruz to deliver progress.
The timing of the appointment also gives the new coach a full pre-season to assess the squad, implement his ideas and identify areas that may require strengthening before the new season begins.
