New Kaizer Chiefs Coach Outlines Silverware Ambitions
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has set an ambitious tone ahead of the 2026/27 season, insisting Amakhosi must challenge for silverware and give their millions of supporters across Africa a campaign to remember.
The French-born coach was appointed Chiefs’ new head coach in June, replacing co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef after the club parted ways with the duo despite guiding Amakhosi to a top-three Betway Premiership finish for the first time in five seasons.
Da Cruz is no stranger to Naturena. He initially joined Chiefs as an assistant coach to Nasreddine Nabi during the 2024/25 pre-season but left before the campaign began after accepting a role with the Moroccan national team.
Now back at the Soweto giants, the Frenchman says he is delighted to return and is fully committed to helping the club compete for major honours.
Amakhosi will compete on five fronts this season – the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup.
Speaking to the club’s media department, Da Cruz expressed his excitement about returning to Chiefs and praised the warm reception he has received.
“I have received a very warm welcome, which I appreciate. I took great pleasure in my work and the people at Naturena, so I am happy to be back at this great club,” he said.
“The Kaizer Chiefs Village at Naturena has all the facilities needed to do a good job. It is in very good condition – the pitch, the gym and everything else. I have a good feeling about it.
“I am grateful to the Chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung, and the Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., for expressing confidence in me, and I will give my very best to do a good job. I am totally committed to Kaizer Chiefs.
“I know I am working for the biggest club in the country, one with a lot of fans all over Africa, not just South Africa. I want us to start the season well to give our millions of fans a good feeling because they deserve it, and to have a good season while challenging for titles.
“I hope all the fans will be behind the team to help us have a good season. We will try our best to win silverware, and we need our supporters to help us make that happen.”
Chiefs are currently in Spain for their pre-season training camp, where Da Cruz believes the environment is providing the ideal platform to prepare the squad for the demanding season ahead.
“The conditions for the camp in Spain are excellent,” he added.
“The weather is very hot, and we have three challenging friendly matches, which I believe will provide good preparation for us.”
Amakhosi have already begun their preparations with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers.
They will next face Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood on Wednesday before concluding their Spanish tour against La Liga outfit Elche on Saturday.
