Kaizer Chiefs’ new mentor, Fernando da Cruz, has arrived in South Africa and hopes to hit the ground running with Amakhosi.

Da Cruz is on a two-year deal with the Soweto club, and a lot would be expected from him to bring silverware in the 2026/27 campaign.

“I’m very happy to be here. The Club has always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve kept a close eye on its journey over the past two years,” said Da Cruz.

“Kaizer Chiefs is a massive institution with passionate supporters and a proud history. My focus now is on building a strong connection with the players, instilling a winning mentality, and working together to achieve the success our fans deserve. The journey ahead will demand hard work and unity, but I’m confident we will rise to the challenge.”

As Chiefs stated, Da Cruz brings a wealth of experience, having served as Technical Director for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over the past two seasons.

Based in Rabat, he oversaw the federation’s football structures, working closely with development teams, coaches, and the senior national side, which has advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup currently being staged in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

“We would like to welcome Coach Da Cruz to Kaizer Chiefs,” says Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, adding, “His arrival marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Club, and we look forward to seeing his vision take shape with the team. With the passion of our loyal supporters and the commitment of our players, we believe this partnership will bring renewed energy and success as we prepare for the upcoming season.”