Retired midfielder turned coach Willard Katsande has backed Fernando da Cruz’s appointment as Kaizer Chiefs head coach, explaining why his return is already a ‘win’ for the Soweto giants.
A week ago, Chiefs confirmed the return of French coach Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach. This time, Da Cruz arrives with two backroom staff members – assistant coach Mahmoud Abbas and sports science specialist Julien Le Heran.
The Frenchman previously had a brief stint as assistant to Nasreddine Nabi at Amakhosi. He takes over from co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who are departing after the club opted not to renew their contracts, which expire on June 30.
This seals a dramatic comeback to the club, having been at Naturena two years ago. He was brought in to do groundwork as an assistant while then-head coach Nabi wrapped up his contract with AS FAR. However, Da Cruz’s first stint was brief as he left to take up the technical director role at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, FRMF.
FAMILIARITY MEANS THERE IS LITTLE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD, SAYS WILLARD KATSANDE
Despite his initial short stay, he made a lasting impression on Chiefs’ management. And Katsande believes Da Cruz returns to South Africa with a top-level football pedigree.
“The fans have to get behind the coach. He is our coach now. Most of the players already know him, so it’s easier to adapt to him; this is continuity. Continuity is another win and is key for us to be better than last season,” Katsande told FARPost.
“The players know him already. Fernando da Cruz walking back into Naturena is a major advantage for Kaizer Chiefs. Familiarity means there is a little adjustment period. Da Cruz already understands the culture at Chiefs and has worked with some of the players before. That cuts out weeks of ‘getting to know you’ sessions. It also helps with buy-in.”
Meanwhile, Katsande was part of the Kaizer Chiefs legends squad that played against the Orlando Pirates Legends on Saturday at the National Stadium in Botswana.
The squad included Morgan Gould, Nhlanhla Kubheka, Tefu Mashamaite, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Lebogang Manyama, Jabu Mahlangu, Josta Dladla, Tinashe Nengomasha and Siyabonga Nomvethe, among others.
Asked by FARPost how the club legends reacted to Da Cruz’s appointment to the Betway Premiership giants, Katsande said: “We just had a discussion as a group, but in passing, and the message was clear — it’s our duty to support him.
“We know what he can bring to this team, and it’s on us to help him settle and deliver success for the club. Everyone is excited to have him. Now it’s about backing that excitement with hard work in pre=season, because that’s where the foundation is laid.”
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