New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has made his ambitions clear ahead of the 2026/27 season, insisting the Glamour Boys must challenge for trophies after opening their pre-season tour of Spain with a 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers.
Kaizer Chiefs were denied victory in Sunday’s friendly after Etiosa Ighodaro gave Amakhosi the lead before Rangers struck a late equaliser in the 89th minute.
The encounter marked the first of three matches on the club’s Spanish training camp as Da Cruz continues to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Da Cruz aiming higher
Having returned to Naturena after a brief spell with the club in 2024, the French-born coach says his objective is to improve on last season’s third-place finish and compete for major honours.
“I have received a very warm welcome, which I appreciate,” Da Cruz said.
“I took pleasure in my work and the people at Naturena, so I am happy to be back at the great club.”
The 54-year-old also praised the facilities at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, saying they provide everything needed for the team to succeed.
“The Kaizer Chiefs Village at Naturena has all the facilities needed to do a good job. It is in very good condition, the pitch, the gym and everything else. I have a good feeling about it.”
‘We want to challenge for titles’
Da Cruz thanked chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung and sporting director Kaizer Motaung jnr for placing their faith in him and vowed to repay that confidence.
“I am grateful to the Chairman and the Sporting Director for expressing confidence in me and I will give my level best to do a good job. I am totally committed to Kaizer Chiefs.”
The coach believes expectations naturally come with managing South Africa’s biggest club.
“I know I am working for the biggest club in the country, one with a lot of fans all over Africa, not just South Africa.”
“I want us to start the season well to give our millions of fans a good feeling, because they deserve it, and have a good season and challenge for titles.”
Valuable preparation in Spain
Kaizer Chiefs are using the training camp in Alicante to prepare for a demanding campaign that includes the Betway Premiership and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Da Cruz believes the quality of opposition in Spain will help sharpen his squad before the season begins.
“The conditions for the camp in Spain are excellent. The weather is very hot and we have three challenging friendly games, which I believe is good preparation for us.”
Following the draw against Rangers, Kaizer Chiefs will face Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood on Wednesday before concluding the tour against Spanish La Liga outfit Elche on Saturday.
Rallying the Amakhosi faithful
Da Cruz also called on the Kaizer Chiefs supporters to play their part as the club looks to return to the summit of South African football.
“I hope all the fans will be behind the team to help us have a good season.”
“We will try our best to win silverware and we need our supporters to help us make that happen.”
Following the Spanish tour, Amakhosi will shift their attention to the Toyota Cup, where they will face Zimbabwean club Scottland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July.
The friendly will serve as Kaizer Chiefs’ final major test before the start of the Betway Premiership season.
League campaign begins against newcomers
Kaizer Chiefs will open their 2026/27 league campaign away to newly promoted Kruger United on Saturday, 1 August, before hosting Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns in successive home fixtures.
Amakhosi last won the league title in the 2014/15 season.
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