Kaizer Chiefs have continued their technical team restructuring with the appointment of Dillon Sheppard as the club’s second assistant coach under new helmsman Fernando da Cruz, as first reported by FARPost.
Sheppard returns to the Amakhosi bench to assist the newly appointed French tactician, filling the void left by co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. The club opted against extending the duo’s contracts, which expire on June 30.
The former Bafana Bafana international is highly regarded for his understanding of the club’s structures, making his return to the first team a seamless transition for the Naturena-based outfit.
Chiefs’ management believes that maintaining a strong local presence on the bench is vital to helping a foreign coach adapt to the SA football scene. After tough lessons in recent seasons, Chiefs view Sheppard as the perfect bridge to connect the new coach, the dressing room, and the club’s hierarchy.
This strategy mirrors what rivals Orlando Pirates have done with Mandla Ncikazi, who has provided crucial domestic insight and continuity under different head coaches. Amakhosi want that exact stability from Sheppard, who has become one of the most trusted figures inside Naturena.
DILLON SHEPPARD BRINGS CAF A LICENCE AND INTIMATE CHIEFS KNOWLEDGE TO NEW TECHNICAL TEAM
The 47-year-old already knows the weight of the Amakhosi badge, having served on the first-team bench under Gavin Hunt, Arthur Zwane, and Cavin Johnson. He steps into the role already fully understanding the club’s unique culture and immense pressure. In fact, when thrust into the spotlight during Chiefs’ dismal four-game losing streak last season, Sheppard stepped up to assist Kaze and Ben Youssef—playing a pivotal role in rescuing the campaign and ultimately securing a CAF Confederation Cup berth.
Crucially, Sheppard’s extensive work with the youth development academy is a major asset. With Chiefs pushing to fast-track more DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] stars into the senior side, his deep knowledge of the academy’s talent pool will help Da Cruz quickly identify the youngsters ready for first-team football.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ STATEMENT ON DILLON SHEPPARD’S APPOINTMENT
In addition, his return to the Amakhosi first-team dugout follows his time in Tanzania, where he completed the intensive course to bag his CAF A Licence. This badge means Sheppard is now officially certified to coach at the absolute highest level on the African continent.
“Kaizer Chiefs are proud to congratulate one of our coaches, Dillon Sheppard, who officially obtained his CAF A Licence after successfully completing the qualification course in Tanzania,” said the club in a statement on Monday.
“Affectionately known as Sheppy, Dillan also holds a UEFA A Licence, which he earned before the latest qualification.
In addition to this achievement, Coach Sheppard will officially take on the role of second assistant coach, working alongside Coach Fernando da Cruz and Assistant Coach Mahmoud Abbas, while continuing to serve as the vital link between the reserve side, where he collaborates with Coach Vela Khumalo, and the senior team.
“Sheppard did similar work with the previous technical team, helping Amakhosi to finish third in the Betway Premiership last season.”
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