Fernando Da Cruz declared fit as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for CAF Confederation Cup trip

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has confirmed he is feeling well after becoming unwell following Tuesday’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Stellenbosch FC.

The Frenchman was taken ill after the match at FNB Stadium, with assistant coach Dillon Sheppard saying afterwards that Da Cruz had been vomiting. However, the coach offered reassurance at the launch of the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media through a translator, Da Cruz said: “He’s feeling very well. It was just… he was vomiting after the game, but now he’s feeling very well.”

Da Cruz’s return to full health comes as Chiefs enter a demanding period, with the club competing in the league, the Carling Knockout Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Amakhosi are the only unbeaten side in the Premiership this season, but Tuesday’s draw was their fifth in eight matches. They sit fourth in the table, behind AmaZulu, and are eight points adrift of second-placed Orlando Pirates. Leaders Mamelodi Sundowns are nine points ahead.

Chiefs will now turn their attention to continental competition, travelling to Zambia to face Red Arrows FC in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.

Da Cruz acknowledged that the schedule would test his squad, with the Soweto Derby also due to take place later this month.

“We have a lot of games during this month, and it will not be easy. We have the Carling Knockout Cup, and we have the derby of Soweto at the end of the month. So, we start this competition now, but it can allow the team to be in a new dynamic,” he said.

The Chiefs coach described Red Arrows as a strong side with physically imposing players. He also warned that the Zambian club could pose a threat through quick transitions and long balls.

Da Cruz said Chiefs would have to adjust to conditions they do not know well, while making clear that the objective was to return with a favourable result before the second leg.

“It’s a strong team with strong players, and they play with transitions, and with long balls. About the conditions, we don’t know the conditions very well, and maybe the conditions will not be very good, but we’re going to Zambia to have good results and to be in a positive mood for the game at home.”

Chiefs will aim to establish an advantage in Zambia before hosting the return fixture, as they attempt to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup during a congested run of domestic and continental matches.