Kaizer Chiefs have finally ended weeks of speculation surrounding their coaching position by confirming the appointment of French tactician Fernando da Cruz as the club’s new head coach.
The Soweto giants announced on Wednesday that Da Cruz has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend his stay by a further season. He will officially assume his duties on 1 July 2026.
Da Cruz arrives at Naturena with an impressive coaching résumé and holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in world football. The French-born coach is no stranger to Chiefs, having worked with the club during a pre-season programme two years ago before joining the Moroccan Football Federation as Technical Director, a role he held until the end of June.
His appointment comes after Chiefs parted ways with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. The duo had stepped into the role following the departure of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi in September 2025 and were tasked with stabilising the club during a difficult period. Despite guiding Amakhosi to a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership and securing qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, Chiefs opted not to renew their contracts.
The coaching position had become one of the most closely watched stories in South African football over recent months. Several high-profile names were linked with the vacancy, including former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, as well as Golden Arrows mentor Manqoba Mngqithi.
Reports and speculation in local football circles suggested Chiefs had explored the possibility of appointing both coaches, although no official negotiations were ever confirmed by the club. Mngqithi’s agent, Mike Makaab, previously stated that there had been no formal discussions between his client and Chiefs despite widespread rumours linking him with the Naturena outfit.
The appointment of Da Cruz signals Chiefs’ intention to pursue a fresh direction as they look to build on last season’s progress and challenge for major honours. Supporters will be hoping the new coach can restore the club’s status as a dominant force in South African football after several seasons of inconsistency.
All eyes will now be on Da Cruz when he officially takes charge next month as he begins preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
