Kaizer Chiefs have hired a familiar face to take them into the next two campaigns. Here’s all you need to know about Fernando Da Cruz.
Fernando Da Cruz fact file
Kaizer Chiefs’ new boss values shape
It’s understood that his managerial stints with Mouscron, Lille and AS Far have displayed his tactical smarts, and an emphasis on defensive organisation, discipline and a strong team ethic. Will he have enough room to improvise and craft Chiefs into a more coherent attacking unit?
Born in 1972, Frenchman Fernando Da Cruz didn’t have a stellar playing career, but he did spend years in the lower divisions of French football, collecting useful tactical nuggets along the way. Interestingly enough, he represented the French Futsal side between 1998 and 2006.
Frenchman is known for his ability to work with young players
Da Cruz has held several academy and youth coaching roles in France. Through those, key skills of talent identification and nurturing have emerged. Chiefs fans will love to hear that, given the huge emphasis on the academy at Naturena.
Learned from a legend
At the French side, Lille, Da Cruz worked alongside the legendary Argentine Marcelo Bielsa. Formerly with Leeds and the Argentine National Team, Bielsa is famed for his intense, aggressive, counter-pressing tactics in a 4-3-3. That type of system needs midfield workhorses, so perhaps this is a glimpse into Chiefs’ future. Bielsa is now the Uruguay coach, so a sneak peek at La Celeste’s World Cup exploits might be a fun way for Chiefs to pass the time this month.
Knowledge of African football and that winning feeling
His recent role as technical director of the Moroccan Football Federation exposed him to several facts of elite football. Da Cruz guided AS FAR to the Moroccan title in 2022-23, so he’s no stranger to success on the continent.
What are your thoughts on Chiefs’ new boss? Let us know by clicking the comments tab below 🙂
