Fernando Da Cruz, the incoming assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs, arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday morning, touching down at OR Tambo International Airport at 10:45.
Da Cruz is the first of six new members joining Chiefs’ revamped technical team, which is expected to be led by Nasreddine Nabi.
The former Lille coach arrived from Casablanca, Morocco, having flown with Qatar Airways via Doha.
Sporting a navy blue suit, Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. was spotted warmly welcoming Fernando Da Cruz upon his arrival.
The next arrival on Sunday afternoon is Ilyes Mzoughi, the goalkeeper coach from Mauritania, who will be joining Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team in the same capacity. Mzoughi flew from Tunisia’s capital.
Both Da Cruz and Mzoughi will begin working on Monday at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, where Chiefs’ players are also set to report for duty as they kick off preparations for the 2024/25 PSL season.
Touchdown! A VIDEO OF Fernando Da Cruz Arriving in Joburg to Join Kaizer Chiefs
The Soweto giants are still awaiting the arrival of their new head coach, Nabi. He could play his last game as AS FAR Rabat’s mentor in the Moroccan Throne Cup semi-final tie against MAS de Fès on Sunday evening (21:00).
The date of the Throne Cup final has yet to be decided and could be held at a later stage. However, indications are that Nabi will leave after the semi-final.
Nabi’s assistant, Da Cruz, brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Chiefs, who are looking to return to their glory days. Despite a playing career in amateur football, Da Cruz captained the French national futsal team at the age of 26 in 1998.
The 51-year-old’s coaching journey began at Lille, where he nurtured future stars like Everton FC midfielder Idrissa Gueye and Aston Villa fullback Lucas Digne. Before that had a stint at French side Wasquehal Football as an assistant coach in 2006.
Da Cruz’s talent spotting led him to Belgium’s Royal Mouscron, where he held technical director and head coach roles. In 2017, following manager Marcelo Bielsa’s departure at Lille, Da Cruz briefly took the reins as head coach before Christophe Galtier’s arrival.
More recently, Da Cruz ventured to Africa, joining AS FAR Rabat in Morocco. Initially the academy’s director, he was promoted to head coach in 2022. Though departing before the season ended, his impact secured FAR Rabat the 2022/23 Botola Pro League title.
NABI TO REUNITE WITH DA CRUZ
Nabi and Da Cruz’s paths converged in Morocco, forming a solid bond that promises a fruitful partnership for Chiefs. Their shared experience fosters a deep understanding and mutual respect, raising optimism about their ability to revive the club that last won a trophy nine years ago.
Sources close to the coaches revealed that Nabi requested Da Cruz, emphasising their strong bond, smooth working relationship, and shared footballing philosophy.
Nabi also sees Da Cruz contributing to Chiefs’ youth development and senior teams.
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