Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillan Shepperd took the reins at the post-match press conference after Da Cruz missed the live on-pitch post-match interview.
Asked to shed light on Da Cruz’s whereabouts, Shepperd revealed that the Frenchman had fallen ill shortly after the final whistle at Soccer City.
KAIZER CHIEFS COACH FERNANDO DA CRUZ’S ILLNESS DESCRIBED
According to Shepperd, Da Cruz suddenly felt unwell before vomiting after the final whistle. “Ya, the coach has fallen ill,” he told reporters. “He was vomitting so ya, he needed the doctors checking on him, to see if he is ok.”
Stellenbosch took the lead just three minutes into the second half when Sinoxolo Kwayiba finished first time inside the box following excellent work from Terence Mashego down the left.
Kaizer Chiefs responded in the 58th minute as Mduduzi Shabalala produced a brilliant finish at the near post to level the score.
Da Cruz remains unbeaten in the Betway Premiership. The result was Amakhosi’s fifth draw in eight matches, alongside three wins. The Soweto giants sit fourth on the log, nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, although Kaizer Chiefs have a game in hand.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP ACTION
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are looking ahead to their trip to Zambia on Saturday. They will kick off their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round campaign against Red Arrows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium at 15:00. The return leg will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium next weekend.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ NEXT FIVE FIXTURES
- Sat, 17 Oct 2026: Red Arrows, CAF Confederation Cup, away (first leg) at 15:00
- Fri, 23 Oct 2026: Red Arrows, CAF Confederation Cup, home (second leg) at 18:00
- Sat, 31 Oct 2026: Orlando Pirates, Betway Premiership, away at 15:30
- Sat, 28 Nov 2026: Chippa United, Betway Premiership, away at 15:30
- Sat, 5 Dec 2026: Milford FC, Betway Premiership, away at 20:15
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM KAIZER CHIEFS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON?
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