Kaizer Chiefs are preparing for the arrival of confirmed new head coach Fernando Da Cruz. The French tactician is completing his duties as Technical Director with the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The 54-year-old takes charge of the Amakhosi project on 1 July 2026 after signing a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year.
Da Cruz will travel to South Africa before leading his first official meeting and training session with the Kaizer Chiefs squad this week.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ RETURNS TO KAIZER CHIEFS WITH BIG AMBITIONS
The appointment marks a return to familiar ground for Da Cruz, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Naturena during the 2024 pre-season under Nasreddine Nabi. He later joined the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), where he served as a Technical Instructor.
The Frenchman arrives with a UEFA Pro Licence and a strong development background. He enjoyed three separate spells at French giants Lille OSC, where he helped develop future global stars such as Eden Hazard and Victor Osimhen.
Da Cruz also demanded full control over his technical team as he prepares to introduce his own football philosophy at Kaizer Chiefs. He has already built a new-look backroom structure for the Betway Premiership giants.
NEW TECHINCAL TEAM
Mahmoud Abbas has joined as the first assistant coach, while Olivier Sorin takes charge as goalkeeper coach. Sorin brings top-level European experience from French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais and holds a UEFA Goalkeeper A Licence. He previously worked with international stars such as Édouard Mendy and Steve Mandanda.
Julien le Heran joins the technical staff as the high-performance sports scientist and physical trainer. Meanwhile, Dillon Sheppard remains a key part of the project as the second assistant coach.
Sheppard recently earned his CAF A Licence and will help create a link between the senior team and Vela Khumalo’s reserve side.
The changes follow the departures of interim co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, as well as former goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi. The trio left after the conclusion of the 2025–26 Betway Premiership season.
