The winds of change are blowing through Naturena once again. Following a disastrous run of form, Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly in active negotiations to appoint French manager Fernando Da Cruz as their new head coach for the upcoming season.
The 52-year-old UEFA Pro Licence holder is a familiar face to the Amakhosi faithful, having briefly served as an assistant during the 2024/25 pre-season before a high-profile call from the Moroccan Football Association cut his stay short. Now, it seems the “Glamour Boys” are ready to hand him the steering wheel.
The Da Cruz Factor: Experience and Accolades
Da Cruz brings a wealthy European and North African pedigree to a side desperate for tactical stability. His resume includes stints at Lille (France) and Mouscron (Belgium), but his crowning achievement remains his time in Morocco.
- Moroccan Masterclass: He led AS FAR Rabat to the Botola Pro League title in 2022/23, boasting a dominant record of 26 wins in 42 matches.
- The “Nabi” Connection: Having worked under Nasreddine Nabi, he already understands the internal structures and expectations at Kaizer Chiefs.
- Technical Terms: Reports suggest Da Cruz has already applied for a South African work permit. However, a key sticking point remains: he wants to bring his own specialized technical team—a move standard for elite European coaches but one that requires board approval.
Why Now? The Crisis at Chiefs
The move comes as Kaizer Chiefs endure one of the darkest chapters in their storied history. Currently led by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, the club has hit rock bottom:
- Historic Slump: Amakhosi recently suffered four consecutive defeats—a first since the club’s inception in 1970.
- Trophy Drought: The club has crashed out of the Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Confederation Cup.
- The Gap: Sitting in 6th place, they trail rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns by a massive 14 points.
Da Cruz’s Potential Technical Dream Team
Based on his previous tenures, Da Cruz often surrounds himself with diverse expertise:
- Assistant Coaches: Likely to look toward former associates like Aziz Samadi (Morocco) or Laurent Demol (Belgium).
- Goalkeeping: Has previously worked with legends like Grégory Wimbée.
- Physical Prep: Known for high-intensity training regimes favored by French academies.
