Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the appointment of French-born coach Fernando da Cruz as the club’s new head coach on a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.
The appointment will take effect on 1 July 2026, with the 54-year-old set to take charge of the Amakhosi ahead of the new season.
Da Cruz arrives at Naturena with extensive coaching experience and holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in football. He 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.
Chiefs believe his experience in both senior and youth football structures makes him a strong fit for the club’s long-term ambitions.
During his career, Da Cruz enjoyed three separate spells with French club Lille OSC, where he worked alongside renowned coach Marcelo Bielsa. He also played a role in the development of several future stars, including Idrissa Gueye, Lucas Digne, Victor Osimhen and Eden Hazard.
His coaching credentials were further enhanced during the 2022/23 season when he guided AS FAR to the Moroccan Botola League title.
Chiefs also announced the appointment of Egyptian coach Mahmoud Abbas as assistant coach, while Frenchman Julien Le Heran will oversee the club’s sports science department.
The Amakhosi squad is scheduled to return to training on Thursday, with Abbas overseeing the initial preparations before Da Cruz’s arrival at the beginning of July.
The new coach will assess the squad before the team departs for a pre-season training camp, where the technical team will have an opportunity to work closely with the players ahead of what is expected to be a demanding 2026/27 campaign.
