Da Cruz Explains Chiefs Return
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has stated that returning to lead Amakhosi was an opportunity he simply could not refuse, two years after his sudden departure from Naturena.
Da Cruz initially arrived in 2024 as the lead assistant coach to Nasreddine Nabi ahead of the 2024/25 season. He managed early pre-season training sessions in both South Africa and Turkey while Nabi finalized his commitments with Moroccan side FAR Rabat. However, just weeks before the campaign kicked off, the Moroccan Football Federation offered Da Cruz their Technical Director role—a proposal Chiefs allowed him to accept.
Cedric Kaze was subsequently brought in to fill the vacant assistant position alongside Khalil Ben Youssef. The duo was later appointed as co-coaches last October following Nabi’s mid-season exit. After clearing house at the end of the term, Chiefs handed Da Cruz the head coaching reins on a two-year contract.
“I left two years ago because I had a great opportunity with the Moroccan federation, and I want to thank the Chiefs family for allowing me to take that step,” Da Cruz explained during Friday’s press conference. “When the offer came to return as head coach, there was no way I could say no to a club as big as Kaizer Chiefs.”
Da Cruz—who reiterated that the squad still requires four strategic additions before the transfer window closes—will get another look at his players on Sunday when Amakhosi take on Zimbabwean side Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
He emphasized that the fixture will serve as a crucial benchmark to gauge team readiness for both the domestic campaign and their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup run.
“It is the final step of our pre-season and our first official meeting with our supporters,” Da Cruz noted. “We need to thoroughly evaluate the squad because this match will tell me exactly who is ready for our league opener.”
Kaizer Chiefs kick off their 2026/27 Betway Premiership season on 1 August against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.
