Fernando Da Cruz has made his ambitions clear ahead of the 2026/27 season, insisting the Glamour Boys must challenge for trophies after a promising start to their pre-season tour of Spain. Kaizer Chiefs were denied victory in Sunday's friendly against Rangers after Etiosa Ighodaro gave Amakhosi the lead before Rangers struck a late equaliser in the 89th minute.
The French-born coach says his objective is to improve on last season's third-place finish, and compete for major honours. This is a bold move, considering the team's last league title was in the 2014/15 season. Da Cruz believes his team has the quality to go all the way. "I have received a very warm welcome, which I appreciate," Da Cruz said. "I took pleasure in my work and the people at Naturena, so I am happy to be back at the great club."
Da Cruz praised the facilities at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, saying they provide everything needed for the team to succeed. "The Kaizer Chiefs Village at Naturena has all the facilities needed to do a good job. It is in very good condition, the pitch, the gym and everything else. I have a good feeling about it,"" said Da Cruz. The coach also thanked chairman Dr. Kaizer Motaung and sporting director Kaizer Motaung jnr for placing their faith in him.
The 54-year-old believes expectations naturally come with managing South Africa's biggest club. "I know I am working for the biggest club in the country, one with a lot of fans all over Africa, not just South Africa," Da Cruz said. "I want us to start the season well to give our millions of fans a good feeling, because they deserve it, and have a good season and challenge for titles."
Following the draw against Rangers, Kaizer Chiefs will face Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood on Wednesday before concluding the tour against Spanish La Liga outfit Elche on Saturday. Da Cruz believes the quality of opposition in Spain will help sharpen his squad before the season begins. "The conditions for the camp in Spain are excellent. The weather is very hot and we have three challenging friendly games, which I believe is good preparation for us." Da Cruz also called on the Kaizer Chiefs supporters to play their part as the club looks to return to the summit of South African football.
Kaizer Chiefs will open their 2026/27 league campaign away to newly promoted Kruger United on Saturday, 1 August, before hosting Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns in successive home fixtures. Da Cruz is optimistic about the new season.
"I want us to start the season well to give our millions of fans a good feeling, because they deserve it, and have a good season and challenge for titles."
Da Cruz has set the bar high for his team, and only time will tell if the Glamour Boys can meet these lofty ambitions. The team's first major test before the start of the Betway Premiership season will be against Zimbabwean club Scotland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July. This will be a great opportunity for Da Cruz to assess his squad's progress. Fernando Da Cruz is determined to bring the Betway Premiership title back to Naturena. He has the full support of the fans, and the team's pre-season tour has been a huge success so far. With a few weeks to go before the season kicks off, Kaizer Chiefs fans are optimistic about their chances of winning the championship.
Kaizer Chiefs have won several championships in the past, and with the current squad, they are well capable of achieving their ambitions. Under Da Cruz's leadership, the team is expected to perform well in the upcoming season.
Kaizer Chiefs' first match is against Kruger United on 1 August. The match will take place at the Kruger Stadium. The Glamour Boys will then face Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns in successive home fixtures.
Kaizer Chiefs' Betway Premiership campaign will be a tough one, but Da Cruz has the confidence and skill to lead his team to victory. He has been working with the team for several weeks now, and the results are promising.
The team's pre-season tour of Spain has been a huge success, and Da Cruz is optimistic about the new season. The players are in good shape, and the team's spirit is high. With the Betway Premiership title within their grasp, Kaizer Chiefs fans are eagerly awaiting the new season.
Kaizer Chiefs have a strong squad, and Da Cruz has the expertise to lead them to victory. The team's first match is against Kruger United, and Kaizer Chiefs fans are confident that they will emerge victorious. With a few weeks to go before the season kicks off, Kaizer Chiefs fans are optimistic about their chances of winning the championship.
Kaizer Chiefs will face several teams in the upcoming season, including Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns. The team will also face Zimbabwean club Scotland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July. Da Cruz believes that his team has the quality to compete against these teams and emerge victorious.
Kaizer Chiefs' squad is talented and well-rounded, with experienced players in key positions. Da Cruz has been working with the team for several weeks now, and the results are promising. The team's spirit is high, and the players are in good shape.
Kaizer Chiefs have a great opportunity to win the Betway Premiership title in the upcoming season. Da Cruz has the expertise and confidence to lead his team to victory. With the team's strong squad and Da Cruz's leadership, Kaizer Chiefs fans are confident that they can win the championship.
Kaizer Chiefs will face many challenges in the upcoming season, but Da Cruz is optimistic about the team's chances. The team's pre-season tour has been a huge success, and the players are in good shape. With a strong squad and Da Cruz's leadership, Kaizer Chiefs fans are confident that the team can win the championship.
Kaizer Chiefs' Squad Player Position - Itumeleng Khune Goalkeeper - Kgaogelo Sekgota Right Back - Khathutshelo Matloga Right Midfielder - Sibusiso Hadebe Centre Back - Njabulo Ngcobo Centre Midfielder - Mthokozisi Mvalo Right Midfielder - Siyethemba Sithebe Left Back - Sipho Mhlungu Centre Forward Kaizer Chiefs' squad is well-equipped to take on the challenges of the 2026/27 season. The team's experienced players will play a crucial role in determining the team's success.
Kaizer Chiefs will be competing in the Betway Premiership and the CAF Confederation Cup this season. Da Cruz believes that his team has the quality to compete against the top teams in both competitions.
The team's performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched by football fans across South Africa. Kaizer Chiefs fans are optimistic about the new season, and the team's pre-season tour has been a huge success.
The team's strong squad and Da Cruz's leadership make it possible for Kaizer Chiefs to win the Betway Premiership title. The team's first major test before the start of the Betway Premiership season will be against Zimbabwean club Scotland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July.
Da Cruz believes that his team has the quality to compete against Zimbabwean club Scotland FC and emerge victorious. The team's strong squad and Da Cruz's leadership make it possible for Kaizer Chiefs to win the championship.
The team's performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched by football fans across South Africa. Kaizer Chiefs fans are optimistic about the new season, and the team's pre-season tour has been a huge success.
Kaizer Chiefs will face several teams in the Betway Premiership this season, including Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns. The team will also face Zimbabwean club Scotland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July. Da Cruz believes that his team has the quality to compete against these teams and emerge victorious.
Kaizer Chiefs' squad is talented and well-rounded, with experienced players in key positions. Da Cruz has been working with the team for several weeks now, and the results are promising. The team's spirit is high, and the players are in good shape.