Fans Stunned as Kaizer Chiefs Coach Fernando Da Cruz Speaks English Ahead of Soweto Derby
- Fernando Da Cruz surprised fans by speaking English ahead of the Soweto Derby
- The Chiefs coach previously used an interpreter during media interviews
- Fans joked about his English, with Junior Khanye and Xitsonga also entering the discussion
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz caught South African football fans by surprise after speaking English during a media interview ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
The French tactician addressed the media in English on Thursday, 29 October, as he shared his thoughts on the importance of the fixture and his team's preparations for Saturday's showdown at FNB Stadium.
His appearance attracted attention on social media, with several supporters expressing surprise at hearing him speak English.
The reaction was particularly interesting because Da Cruz had previously relied on Kaizer Chiefs fitness coach Julien Le Heran to translate for him during media engagements.
In July, the Frenchman spoke to journalists in his native language, with Le Heran interpreting his remarks. Da Cruz had even indicated that he hoped it would be the last time he needed translation to communicate with the media.
What Da Cruz said about the Soweto Derby
During Thursday's interview, Da Cruz described the Soweto Derby as one of the biggest football matches on the continent.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"It's the most important game in South Africa, sold out in six hours. I believe it's one of the best matches in Africa. It divides the country, and I think it's a good game for the South African people," he said.
The Chiefs coach also expressed confidence in his team's preparations, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Orlando Pirates.
He praised Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for his work since arriving at the club but insisted that Amakhosi were ready for the encounter.
Da Cruz's English was understandable, although he occasionally struggled with his sentence construction. Nevertheless, his attempt to address the media without an interpreter became a talking point among supporters.
Fans react to Da Cruz speaking English
South African football fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions, with some joking about the coach's language skills.
One user, @mmopai, appeared surprised by the development, writing:
"Hayibo mihlolo keyeo, so this guy can speak English and all along he was acting like he is from the other side of Antarctica 😅"
Another supporter, @mantengu1, brought Junior Khanye into the conversation, saying:
"He clearly speaks better English than Junior Khanye😀"
Da Cruz's English interview may have been part of his preparations for his first Soweto Derby, but it certainly gave South African football fans something else to talk about before the big match.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
