Following the departure of co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze—who guided Chiefs to a stable 3rd-place finish last season—management has chosen continuity mixed with European expertise.
While heavyweights like Pitso Mosimane and Manqoba Mngqithi were heavily linked by fans and media to the vacant hot seat, the hierarchy has locked in Da Cruz. His previous tactical familiarity with the squad during the Nasreddine Nabi era gave him the ultimate edge to lead the Glamour Boys’ pre-season.
The “Sniper” Target: Tshegofatso Mabasa on the Radar?
With a new coach arriving, upfront firepower is a massive priority, and a blockbuster name has emerged. Former Orlando Pirates lethal frontman Tshegofatso Mabasa is officially a free agent after parting ways with the Sea Robbers.
- The Player: Known affectionately as “Sniper,” the 29-year-old forward is one of the most clinical finishers in the country.
- The Catch: Kaizer Chiefs aren’t the only ones watching. Moroccan top-flight outfit Maghreb Fez is reportedly ready to table a lucrative two-year contract. If Amakhosi want to hijack the deal and bring Mabasa to the yellow and black side of Soweto, they will need to dig deep to match a highly competitive North African salary package.
Defensive Reinforcements: Thabo Moloisane Nears Naturena Move
On the defensive front, Chiefs are on the verge of securing a major coup. Former Stellenbosch FC standout center-back Thabo Moloisane is reportedly close to finalizing a move to Naturena as a free agent.
The elegant defender’s arrival is heavily tied to player movements within the squad. The deal is expected to be officially processed once young Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy completes his highly anticipated transfer abroad. So far, McCarthy remains the only official departure confirmed by the club, clearing both wages and squad space for Moloisane to anchor the new-look backline.
