The transfer window hasn’t even officially swung open yet, but Kaizer Chiefs are already making massive power moves. Fresh off a resurgent 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign where they clinched a commendable third-place finish, the Glamour Boys have dropped three monumental updates that lay the groundwork for their upcoming domestic and continental campaigns.
With pre-season training officially kicking off next week, Amakhosi management is wasting no time structuring a squad capable of handling the brutal demands of returning to the CAF Confederation Cup.
1. The Marquee Signing: Thabo Moloisane Joins Naturena
In a massive defensive coup, Kaizer Chiefs have officially secured the services of former Stellenbosch FC rock Thabo Moloisane. The seasoned center-back heads to Soweto with an elite domestic pedigree, having notched up 115 appearances across three highly successful seasons with Stellies.
Crucially, Moloisane provides the exact continental experience Chiefs desperately need as they prepare to balance domestic football with African safari travels. In an official statement released on Thursday, the club noted:
“Moloisane brings valuable experience of African competition, having featured in the Confederation Cup. His continental pedigree will be key for Amakhosi as the team returns to CAF competition for another season. He will link up with the Glamour Boys when the squad returns for pre-season training. We extend a warm welcome to Thabo and look forward to seeing him in the Gold & Black colours of Amakhosi.”
2. The Return of the Tactician: Fernando Da Cruz Takes the Reins
The second major announcement settles the burning question at the helm of the technical team. French-Portuguese tactician Fernando Da Cruz has officially been welcomed as the club’s new head coach, stepping into the massive shoes left by Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
Da Cruz is a familiar face to the Naturena faithful, having briefly served as Nasreddine Nabi’s trusted assistant coach back in 2024 before departing for a high-profile stint with the Moroccan national team setup. He will officially take charge of the clipboard on July 1, just as pre-season testing intensifies.
3. The Structural Exit: Aden McCarthy Headed Overseas
To balance the roster and make room for Moloisane’s arrival, Chiefs have sanctioned their first high-profile departure of the winter window. Promising young academy graduate and defender Aden McCarthy has brought his time at Naturena to a close.
In an exciting career progression, McCarthy has completed a permanent overseas switch to join Azerbaijan top-flight outfit Sabah FK.
The Unanswered Questions: Who is Next?
While these three announcements have sent shockwaves through the local football fraternity, the rebuilding project under Da Cruz is far from over. With pre-season training starting in a matter of days, all eyes are on the remaining veterans in the squad. Questions continue to swirl around the long-term futures of midfield playmaker George Matlou and veteran attacker Gaston Sirino, both of whom are heavily rumored to be on the tactical bubble ahead of the 2026/27 season.
