After confirming the appointment of Fernando Da Cruz as head coach, Kaizer Chiefs are set to bolster the Frenchman’s technical team with the addition of Dillon Sheppard, FARPost has learnt.
The former Bidvest Wits winger has been identified as a key figure to assist Da Cruz as Amakhosi seek to avoid some of the challenges that hampered Nasreddine Nabi’s debut season at Naturena.
The ex-Bafana Bafana international is expected to join the technical team as a second assistant coach. He will be working alongside the two members of staff that Da Cruz is bringing with him from abroad. Egyptian Mahmoud Abbas will serve as first assistant, with France-born Julien Le Heran heading the sports science department.
Chiefs believe a strong local presence within the technical setup is essential to help foreign coaches navigate the unique demands of the Betway Premiership. The club has drawn lessons from recent experiences and views Sheppard as someone capable of bridging the gap between the coach, players and the club’s broader football structures.
There is a growing belief within local football that having an experienced local assistant can significantly ease a coach’s transition. Orlando Pirates have enjoyed success with Mandla Ncikazi playing a pivotal role alongside successive head coaches. He is helping maintain continuity and providing valuable local insight. Chiefs see similar value in Sheppard. The latter is regarded as one of the club’s trusted football figures.
DILLON SHEPPARD NO STRANGER TO CHIEFS ENVIRONMENT
The 47-year-old is no stranger to the Amakhosi environment. He has previously served on the club’s technical staff under both Gavin Hunt and Arthur Zwane. Sheppard also worked with Cavin Johnson at Amakhsoi. He understands the expectations, culture and pressures that come with working at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
In addition, Sheppard has also spent considerable time within the club’s youth structures. That background is viewed as another major advantage. This is because Chiefs want to continue their drive to integrate talented youngsters from their DDC side into the senior team.
His familiarity with the club’s emerging talent pool is expected to help Da Cruz identify and fast-track players capable of stepping up to the first team.
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