This is a glitch. Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Fernando Da Cruz was not meant for Amakhosi. The Frenchman is leaving.
This is not ideal for Kaizer Chiefs at this time of the season. Amakhosi have lost a highly-rated assistant coach, and that’s football.
KAIZER CHIEFS LOSE FERNANDO DA CRUZ
According to Unplayable, Da Cruz is Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) as a Technical Director. The Frenchman is leaving as Nasredddine Nabi’s Kaizer Chiefs’ third assistant, two months since his arrival in Johannesburg.
Fernando Da Cruz has left Kaizer Chiefs to join the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the OCP Group, as confirmed by @MoroccanGrinta. “It’s a new Moroccan project, focusing on developing young players,” the report said.
BRADLEY CROSS
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is steadily creating his new team and squad. Former Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows defender Bradley Cross is one of his new faces.
After 24 appearances for Golden Arrows last season, which season just a season after leaving Maritzburg United, Cross has secured a four-year deal to Kaizer Chiefs.
“Kaizer Chiefs are delighted to welcome their sixth signings of the current transfer window, Bradley Cross, from Golden Arrows. The talented left-back has committed his exceptional skills and versatility to Amakhosi for the next four years,” Amakhosi said.
“Cross, who as a teenager played for Schalke 04’s Under-19 team in Germany, as well as captained Newcastle United’s U21 and U23 teams in England, is known for his dynamic play and defensive prowess. He was a standout performer in the Premier Soccer League last season. His hard work was rewarded with a call-up to the national team, Bafana Bafana, by coach Hugo Broos,” Amakhosi added.
FIRST 10 BETWAY PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES
In the meantime, the Soweto giants have confirmed the first set of 10 fixtures for the 2024/25 Betway Premiership.
The season will be starting with an away challenge in Bloemfontein against Marumo Gallants on the 14th of September, followed a home match against Stellenbosch FC on 22 September.
FULL LIST:
- Marumo Gallants – Saturday, September 14, Toyota Stadium, 17:30
- Stellenbosch – Sunday, September 22, FNB Stadium, 15:00
- AmaZulu – Wednesday, September 25, King Zwelithini Stadium, 19:30
- Mamelodi Sundowns – Saturday, September 28, FNB Stadium, 15:00
- SuperSport United – Saturday, October 26, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 17:30
- Magesi FC – Wednesday, October 30, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 19:30
- Royal AM – Sunday, November 9 – FNB Stadium, 17:30
- Richards Bay – Wednesday, November 27 – FNB Stadium, 19:30
- Polokwane City – Sunday, December 8 – Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 15:30
- TS Galaxy – Monday, December 16 – Mbombela Stadium, 15:30.
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Kaizer Chiefs’ Nabi says that more key players are on the chopping block
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi aims to streamline the squad, hinting at potential player exits as he seeks to build a lean top team.
Kaizer Chiefs’ new head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, says that he is set to reshape the team significantly. As he outlines his vision for a streamlined squad. As the club approaches the final phase of its pre-season preparations, Nabi’s strategy hints at a potential exodus of players.
Nabi, who brings a meticulous approach to squad management, has made it clear that he prefers working with a smaller, more competitive group. The 59-year-old Tunisian coach previously managed squads of around 25 players at Young Africans in Tanzania and 24 players at AS FAR Rabat in Morocco. Now, he aims for a squad of approximately 22 players at Kaizer Chiefs.
“It’s a big club,” Nabi stated during the Betway Premiership launch in Sandton, as quoted by FARPost. “I don’t want to build with medium players. In addition, I want to build with top players. I am clear. Yes, I have big players in the squad. But I want more big players.”
While Nabi has not named specific players at risk, speculation is rife about which current squad members might be on their way out. With a preference for a smaller squad and recent new signings, several players could face reduced roles or departures.
“At the right moment, we will talk about which players will go because you need to respect the players. We will work with other clubs to look for possibilities for the players,” Nabi explained.
DEFENDERS AND MIDFIELDERS UNDER THREAT
Nabi’s arrival and the recent defensive signings—including Angola’s Miguel Inacio, Bafana Bafana’s Rushwin Dortley, Bradley Cross, and Bongani Sam—could impact existing defenders like Zitha Kwinika, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, and Happy Mashiane. The influx of new talent may push these players down the pecking order, making their future at the club uncertain.
Midfielders Edson Castillo and Sibongiseni Mthethwa might also face challenges with the return of Njabulo Blom and the addition of Gaston Sirino. Rising star Samkelo Zwane is poised to play a significant role this season, potentially threatening the positions of Castillo and Mthethwa.
In the forward positions, although Kaizer Chiefs have not made many new signings, emerging talents like Donay Jansen, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Wandile Duba are expected to create competition. This could lead to pressure on players such as Christian Saile and Pule Mmodi to fight for their spots.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: NABI’S ULTIMATE GOAL
Nabi’s emphasis on maintaining high-quality performances across the board indicates that players who fail to consistently deliver may also face the exit door. His goal is to build a squad that can contend for major trophies and end the club’s trophy drought.
As the transfer window progresses and Nabi continues his evaluation, clarity regarding the players likely to leave Naturena will become clearer. Though this period of uncertainty may be unsettling, Nabi’s focus remains on assembling a squad capable of achieving significant success.
