Newly appointed Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach Fernando da Cruz has officially arrived in South Africa and joined the team in Naturena on Thursday as preparations intensify for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Coach Da Cruz brings a wealth of experience, having served as Technical Director for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over the past two seasons.
Based in Rabat, he oversaw the federation’s football structures, working closely with development teams, coaches and the senior national side, which has advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup currently being staged in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Speaking on his return to Mzansi, Da Cruz is enthusiastic about the upcoming adventure.
“I’m very happy to be here. The Club has always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve kept a close eye on its journey over the past two years. Kaizer Chiefs is a massive institution with passionate supporters and a proud history. My focus now is on building a strong connection with the players, instilling a winning mentality, and working together to achieve the success our fans deserve. The journey ahead will demand hard work and unity, but I’m confident we will rise to the challenge, he says.”
Coach Fernando da Cruz is now fully in the building, stepping into his role with clear intent, strong leadership, and a shared belief in what this team can become.
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 2, 2026
With the full technical team in place, the focus is clear. Every drill matters. Every detail counts. Every day is a… pic.twitter.com/fjj43n7VCD
The squad has been in pre-season training for the past two weeks, with the technical staff maintaining continuity during Da Cruz’s transition from Morocco.
“We would like to welcome Coach Da Cruz to Kaizer Chiefs,” says Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, adding, “His arrival marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Club, and we look forward to seeing his vision take shape with the team. With the passion of our loyal supporters and the commitment of our players, we believe this partnership will bring renewed energy and success as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Da Cruz met with all the members of the team on his arrival and is ready to work with everyone involved with the team.
Kaizer Chiefs look forward to a successful tenure under Coach Da Cruz’s leadership and remain committed to achieving excellence both on and off the field.