Kaizer Chiefs Confirm Fernando da Cruz As New Coach and Fans Immediately Send a Message
- Kaizer Chiefs have finally confirmed the man who will lead the club into the 2026/27 season after making changes to their team
- Fernando da Cruz arrives with top-level qualifications and previous experience working with Amakhosi
- Supporters quickly shared their hopes, concerns and expectations after the club made the announcement
Source: Facebook
Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach, ending weeks of speculation over who would take charge of the Soweto giants next season. The French-born coach will assume his new role on 1 July 2026 after signing a two-year contract with an option for a further year.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, and immediately sparked a wave of reactions from supporters, with many welcoming the appointment while making it clear what they expect from the club's latest coaching appointment.
Source: Twitter
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Kaizer Chiefs end speculation with Fernando da Cruz appointment
In a statement released on their official platforms, Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the appointment of the experienced coach. The club said:
"Kaizer Chiefs are pleased to confirm the appointment of Fernando da Cruz as Head Coach. He has signed a two-year contract with a one-year option, effective 1 July 2026."
Chiefs added that Da Cruz holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in European football. The club also noted that the coach is familiar with the Amakhosi setup after working with the team during a pre-season programme two years ago.
Since then, Da Cruz has been serving as Technical Director of the Moroccan Football Federation and is expected to begin his new duties at Naturena at the start of July.
The appointment follows the departure of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, whose exits were confirmed by Chiefs on 26 May 2026 following the conclusion of their contracts.
Kaizer Chiefs fans make their expectations clear
Supporters wasted little time reacting to the announcement on social media. User @Diamond_Blackie welcomed the appointment but stressed that results would be expected immediately.
"We trust you to deliver something this coming season," the supporter wrote.
@ZakiMathebula expressed similar sentiments, saying:
"Hopefully you can change our situation. We don't need someone who will be building but we need someone who will hit the ground running. We need a winner."
@anonymityRA reflected on the club's recent coaching changes.
"Like last season, I am just hoping we remain in the top eight," the supporter commented.
@ChrisExcel102 reacted humorously, writing:
"They fired Nabi's employees and replaced them with another Nabi employee."
The Kaizer Chiefs fan account @Khosi85410848 posted:
"All the best Da Cruz, hope we're cruising nicely this season."
Another supporter, @MgaziSboh, questioned the club's direction while calling for improvement after several difficult seasons.
New coach faces pressure ahead of 2026/27 season
Da Cruz arrives at one of South Africa's biggest clubs with expectations already building among supporters.
While many fans have welcomed the appointment, the early reactions reveal a common theme. Chiefs supporters want progress, consistency and a return to competing for major honours.
The new coach now has less than a month before officially taking charge as he prepares to lead Amakhosi into what promises to be a crucial 2026/27 campaign.
Czechia star issues stark warning before Bafana Bafana showdown
Briefly News also reported that Czechia defender Jaroslav Zelený had fired a warning shot at Bafana Bafana ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup Group A clash on Thursday, 18 June 2026.
The Czech international suggested defeat could effectively end South Africa's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, insisting his side must "definitely manage" the match in Atlanta.
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Source: Briefly News
