Kaizer Chiefs appoint Fernando da Cruz as new head coach on two-year deal

Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the appointment of Fernando da Cruz as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The French-born tactician has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend his stay by a further year, with his appointment set to take effect from 1 July 2026.

Da Cruz arrives at Naturena with an impressive coaching résumé and holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification available in world football. His appointment signals the club’s intent to strengthen its technical leadership as it seeks to return to the summit of South African football.

The experienced coach is no stranger to the Amakhosi setup. He previously spent time with Chiefs during their pre-season preparations two years ago, allowing him to gain valuable insight into the club’s culture, structure and expectations.

Since then, Da Cruz has been working with the Moroccan Football Federation, where he served as Technical Director. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing football development programmes and helping shape technical strategies within one of Africa’s most successful football structures.

Following the completion of his duties in Morocco at the end of June, Da Cruz will officially assume control of the Chiefs first team at the start of next month.

His arrival comes at a crucial period for the Soweto giants, who are eager to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic honours and making a strong impact in continental competitions.

Kaizer Chiefs supporters will be hoping that Da Cruz’s experience, technical expertise and familiarity with the club can help usher in a new era of success. Expectations will be high as he prepares to lead one of Africa’s most supported clubs into the new campaign.

The 2026/27 season will now mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for Kaizer Chiefs under the guidance of Fernando da Cruz, with fans eagerly awaiting the Frenchman’s vision for the future of the club.