Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Fernando Da Cruz as their new head coach, bringing to a close weeks of intense speculation surrounding the hot seat at Naturena.
Da Cruz has agreed to take charge of the Soweto-based outfit after signing a two-year contract, with an option for an additional season, marking a significant step in the club’s efforts to rebuild and challenge for major honours. 
“Kaizer Chiefs are pleased to announce 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,” the club stated on Wednesday.
“Born in France, Da Cruz comes highly qualified with a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching certification in football.
“He worked briefly with Chiefs during pre-season two years ago before joining the Moroccan Football Federation, where he served as Technical Director until the end of June. He will officially take charge of Amakhosi at the beginning of July.”
The appointment follows the departure of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef following the end of their two-year contracts. Both initially served as assistants to former coach Nasreddine Nabi, who officially left in October 2025.
In the interim, Kaze and Ben Youssef guided Amakhosi to a top-three finish as well as qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite that progress, the club opted to make yet another coaching change, signalling that management believe new leadership is needed to return Chiefs to the summit of South African football.
Da Cruz is no stranger to the inner workings at Naturena. Da Cruz has a long-standing relationship with former Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The two previously worked together at AS FAR Rabat, where Da Cruz served as Technical Director.
When Nabi was appointed Chiefs head coach, Da Cruz was set to join as his assistant, but after two weeks into pre-season, he left the project to take up a role with the Moroccan Football Association instead.
The experienced coach, who previously managed French side Lille OSC in their development and first team on an interim basis, is set to be backed with a new-look technical team after the exits of Ilyes Mzoughi (goalkeeper coach) and Majdi Safi (fitness coach) who also bid goodbye alongside Kaze and Ben Youssef this month.
In addition, the club is set to integrate between a South African contingent into the technical team, creating a blend of international expertise and local knowledge.
Da Cruz emerged ahead of several high-profile names linked with the job, including Alexandre Santos, Benni McCarthy, Pitso Mosimane, Manqoba Mngqithi, and Sven Vandenbroeck. The decision to go with a foreign coach once again reflects the club’s belief that international experience is key to unlocking a new era of success.
Thabo Moloisane has already agreed to join after leaving Stellenbosch FC, the first confirmed piece of business in what is expected to be a busy window.  Further squad changes are anticipated as Da Cruz looks to shape a group capable of mounting a genuine title challenge.
With a new head coach, a refreshed technical structure, and renewed ambition, Kaizer Chiefs enter the 2026/27 season with a clear direction and a commitment to rebuilding. For a club of their stature – and for a fanbase that has waited too long for silverware; the hope is that Da Cruz is finally the man to wake the sleeping giant.