Da Cruz pinpoints transfer priorities as Kaizer Chiefs boss targets fresh attacking options

New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says the club must recruit a striker, wingers and an attacking midfielder if they are to challenge for trophies in the 2026-27 season.

The 53-year-old Frenchman, appointed on a two-year deal with an additional one-year option starting from 1 July 2026, has highlighted three key areas he believes need strengthening after assessing his squad during a 10-day pre-season tour of Spain.

Da Cruz, who was a surprise choice to succeed the departed co-coaching team of Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, outlined his priorities at a Toyota Cup press conference at Naturena Village on Friday.

“We need a striker, new wingers as well as an offensive midfielder,” Da Cruz said.

“We have good profiles already, though we have asked management to get us different profiles.

“We want to play different football and be less predictable [to other teams].”

New man, familiar expectations

Da Cruz inherits a side that finished third in the Betway Premiership last season under Kaze and Ben Youssef, a campaign that marked Kaizer Chiefs’ best league placing since 2019-20, when they were overtaken by Mamelodi Sundowns on the final day of the title race.

Kaze and Ben Youssef had been handed the reins after the departure of Nasreddine Nabi during his second season in charge. Nabi had ended his debut campaign at the club by winning the Nedbank Cup, and the club’s hierarchy tasked his successors with steering Amakhosi back into CAF inter-club competition.

They achieved that objective with third place, but the club’s trophy drought remains a central concern, and Da Cruz has made clear that contesting silverware will shape his decisions in the transfer market and on the training ground.

Having now worked closely with the existing squad in Spain, Da Cruz believes greater variety in attack is essential if Chiefs are to evolve their playing style and become harder to read.

Limited business so far

Chiefs have been relatively quiet in the market to this point, completing only three signings.

Defender Thabo Moloisane and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner have joined the squad, along with Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, who arrives from Tanzanian giants Azam FC.

Despite these additions, Da Cruz views the forward line and creative midfield as the main areas requiring reinforcement before the new campaign begins.

The French coach stressed that while he values the qualities of his current players, he has requested “different profiles” from the club’s management to support his tactical plans and bring a less predictable, more expansive attacking game to Naturena.

Spain tour sets context for Toyota Cup test

Chiefs returned from Spain without a victory, registering two draws and a defeat in their three pre-season fixtures.

Da Cruz will now seek his first win in charge when Amakhosi face Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC in the third edition of the Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex in Rustenburg on Saturday.

The exhibition match is expected to offer supporters an early indication of the style and structure Da Cruz is trying to implement, as he balances short-term results with longer-term development of the team’s identity.

The fixture also serves as one of Chiefs’ final tune-ups before they open their Betway Premiership campaign against top-flight newcomers Kruger United, a match that will begin the formal test of Da Cruz’s attempt to reshape the squad and restore the club to regular trophy contention.