Leading local outlet Soccer Beat has reported that Kaizer Chiefs are moving towards re-appointing Fernando Da Cruz.
The 52-year-old, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, formerly worked with Amakhosi as an assistant coach under Nasreddine Nabi before the 2024/25 season.
While Nabi was due to arrive in July, Da Cruz took charge of Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season training. On the eve of the season, the Moroccan Football Association’s development project tabled an offer he could not turn down.
Also read: Confirmed: Latest 37-man Bafana Bafana squad
WHAT THE REPORT SAYS
According to the report, Da Cruz, formerly with Lille in France and Belgium’s Mouscron, has applied for a work permit to work in Mzansi.
The discussion is currently focused on his intention to arrive with his own technical team, which is standard for top coaches worldwide.
“Kaizer Chiefs are in talks with Fernando Da Cruz over a return to Naturena as head coach,” the outlet said. “SoccerBeat understands the Frenchman has already applied for a work permit, although discussions continue over his request to bring his own technical team,” the note concluded.
Fernando da Cruz has worked with several assistants and technical staff members throughout his coaching career across Europe and North Africa.
At AS FAR Rabat between 2022 and 2023, the French coach worked with Moroccan assistant coaches Aziz Samadi and Adil Serraj. The goalkeeping department was led by Moroccan Khalid Askri, while Moroccan fitness coach Hassan Benazzouz oversaw the team’s physical preparation.
During his spell at Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium in 2020, da Cruz was supported by assistant coaches Laurent Demol of Belgium and Joachim Mununga, who holds Belgian-Congolese nationality. Belgian Éric Deleu served as goalkeeper coach, with fellow Belgian Olivier Croes working as fitness coach.
Earlier, while managing Lille OSC B between 2018 and 2020, he worked with French assistant coach Jérémy Dos Santos and French former professional goalkeeper Grégory Wimbée as goalkeeper coach.
Da Cruz’s existing coaching accolades include the prestigious Moroccan Botola Pro League title with AS FAR in 2022/23. In 42 matches, he earned 26 wins, 10 draws, and 6 defeats. He also won the Algarve Cup in 2018 with Lille in France.
WHY KAIZER CHIEFS ARE LINKED WITH A NEW COACH
Currently under the guidance of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, the mighty Amakhosi have suffered four consecutive defeats for the first time since the club was founded.
The Glamour Boys sit in 6th place in the Betway Premiership standings with 30 points from 18 matches. They find themselves trailing both league leaders, Orlando Pirates and second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, by 14 points, as both rivals are tied on 44 points.
Kaizer Chiefs crashed out in the first round of the Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
