NATURENA — South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs have officially ushered in a new era after reaching an agreement with French tactician Fernando Da Cruz to become the club’s new head coach.

The 53-year-old former Lille OSC and AS FAR boss has put pen to paper on a two-year contract at Naturena, which includes an option to extend for an additional season.

The appointment comes amid a major post-season structural clear-out following the departures of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Da Cruz will head up an extensively revamped technical setup, arriving in Johannesburg accompanied by four trusted members of his own international coaching staff. Additionally, the club plans to integrate two to three South African coaches into the bench to blend global experience with local Betway Premiership knowledge.

This appointment marks a dramatic return to Naturena for Da Cruz, who briefly served as an assistant coach under Nasreddine Nabi during the 2024/25 pre-season before taking up a development project with the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Tasked with reviving the Soweto giants after several inconsistent campaigns, Da Cruz is expected to take charge immediately as Kaizer Chiefs look to challenge for major silverware in the upcoming 2026/27 season.