Sport Desk Reporter
Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach, the club confirmed in a statement released today.
Da Cruz has signed a two-year contract with a one-year option, effective 1 July.
Born in France, he holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in football.
He previously worked with Chiefs during pre-season two years ago before joining the Moroccan Football Federation, where he served as Technical Director until the end of June.
The 54-year-old has extensive experience in European and African football. He has had three spells at French club Lille, where he worked under Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa and was involved in the development of players including Idrissa Gueye, Lucas Digne, Victor Osimhen and Eden Hazard.
He also led AS FAR to the Moroccan Botola League title in the 2022/23 season.
Chiefs said his appointment aligns with the club’s long-term sporting strategy, particularly in youth development and squad building.
Assistant coach Mahmoud Abbas, from Egypt, will join the technical team, while Julien Le Heran will lead the sports science department.
The squad is scheduled to return to training on 18 June, with initial preparations overseen by the assistant coach before Da Cruz formally takes charge.
The club said further announcements will follow.