Fernando Da Cruz: From Marcelo Bielsa’s shadow to Kaizer Chiefs’ sideline
Fernando Da Cruz, the French football coach who once filled Marcelo Bielsa’s shoes, is set to take on a new challenge as assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs.
The 51-year-old coach brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the Soweto giants. Despite being an amateur footballer in his younger days, his talent earned him a spot on the France national futsal team in 1998 at the age of 26. He eventually became the team’s captain.
His journey, marked by a three-part tenure at French powerhouse Lille and an interesting connection to Uruguay manager Bielsa, is a testament to his adaptability and expertise.
Da Cruz’s coaching sojourn began at Lille, where he nurtured the talents of future football stars like the Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye and Aston Villa fullback Lucas Digne. He honed Gueye’s skills from his arrival at Lille in 2008 until his breakthrough into the first team in the 2010/11 season.
Digne also flourished under his mentorship, earning his first professional contract in 2011. His keen eye for talent led him to Royal Mouscron-Péruwelz in Belgium, where he ascended to the technical director role and briefly served as head coach.
HOW FERNANDO DA CRUZ & CO. CAME TO REPLACE MARCELO BIELSA
In a twist of fate, Da Cruz found himself thrust into the spotlight at Lille in 2017. Following Bielsa’s suspension and subsequent dismissal, Da Cruz was part of a four-man unit tasked with steadying the ship. He briefly held the reins as head coach before Christophe Galtier’s arrival.
Da Cruz’s first dance on the African continent unfolded in Morocco, where he joined AS FAR Rabat. Initially the academy’s technical director, he was promoted to head coach in 2022.
His impact was immediate, guiding the club to the top of the Botola Pro League before his departure. Though he didn’t see out the season, FAR Rabat clinched the title, a testament to Da Cruz’s influence.
Now, Da Cruz embarks on a new adventure in South Africa, joining Kaizer Chiefs as Nasreddine Nabi’s assistant. Their paths first crossed in Morocco, forging a bond that blossomed into a close relationship.
Those who know them well attest to their strong rapport and predict a fruitful partnership as they seek to usher in a transformative era for Chiefs. This shared experience in Morocco has laid the foundation for a deep understanding and mutual respect between the two, fueling optimism about their potential to revitalise the club.
WHY NASREDDINE NABI REQUESTED TO WORK WITH DA CRUZ
“Naturally, questions have arisen about the compatibility of these two coaches,” explained a source close to the two.
“Let me assure you, Coach Nabi personally requested to work alongside Da Cruz. They share a strong bond, a harmonious working relationship and a common footballing philosophy. Nabi envisions Da Cruz playing a dual role in the youth development and senior team at Chiefs.”
His arrival, scheduled for Sunday, has generated excitement among fans eager to see the impact of this well-travelled coach.
Da Cruz’s journey, marked by stints in France, Belgium, and Morocco, demonstrates his adaptability across various footballing landscapes. His experience working with young talents makes him a valuable addition to the Chiefs coaching staff.
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