South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs have officially appointed French tactician Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach. Da Cruz signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further season, signaling a bold restructuring for the Soweto-based club as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.

The 54-year-old manager, who previously coached French side Lille OSC and Moroccan heavyweights AS FAR, is no stranger to the Amakhosi family. He briefly served as an assistant coach at Naturena in 2024 before a short departure to North Africa.

Following a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, the club cleared its technical benches by parting ways with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Da Cruz will be joined by four members of his own trusted international coaching staff, alongside two to three local South African coaches.

Commenting on the high-profile appointment, Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana shared his insights, endorsing the Frenchman’s maturity but noting the immense pressure of the role.

“When I look at the guy’s age, I think he is in the right age to coach a team like Kaizer Chiefs,” Kekana stated. “But more than anything, you must be result-driven. The other thing I would love to see is Kaizer Chiefs coached by one man and that one man should be leading the whole team.”

With pre-season camps looming, Chiefs fans will be eager to see if Da Cruz can successfully navigate the hot seat and restore domestic silverware to the club.

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