Kaizer Chiefs were recently faced with a bombshell after losing assistant coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Da Cruz had only recently joined Chiefs as Nasreddine Nabi’s assistant coach from AS FAR where he was Technical Director.
While Nabi finished up his duties at AS FAR it was Da Cruz who was laying down the ground work. The Tunisian international then arrived in Turkey where he was given the reins. The Frenchman came to Chiefs with a massive reputation coming from his impressive CV. He was seen as a huge coupe for Amakhosi as an assistant coach.
Chiefs lose Da Cruz
After just two months in the job, however, Da Cruz was allowed to leave by Chiefs. This after a job offer from the Moroccan FA landed on his door step. This was not the first time he had been linked with an abrupt exit from the Glamour Boys, a few days into his job, he was linked with a head coach role back in the Moroccan league. That move did not materialize and seemed like he would stay put at the club.
That had the Chiefs fans breathing a huge sigh of relief. This would be short-lived, however, as the club announced Da Cruz’s exit.
“Kaizer Chiefs wishes to announce that the Club has accepted an offer for assistant coach Fernando Da Cruz to take up a position at the Moroccan Football Federation. As Kaizer Chiefs, we would like to thank coach Fernando for his contributions to the team and the commitment he has shown during his time with us. The Club fully supports his decision and wishes him all the best for the future. Further announcements will follow in due course.” Wrote a short statement from the club.
It is now rumoured that Nabi’s former assistant at Yanga SC Cedric Kaze is touted as the replacement. A source speaking to Soccer-Laduma suggests Chiefs may have already engaged him.
Nabi eyeing Kaze reunion?
“Coach Nabi has always been very close to Cedric Kaze, and they achieved a lot of success together at Yanga and don’t rule out the possibility of them reuniting again in future. There is a possibility that there must have been talks going on already between the two coaches. Kaze is a highly qualified coach and is from Burundi but is currently based in Canada and open to opportunities. But whether Chiefs will want to appoint another coach now is another story, and we’ve got to wait and see,” said the source.
Chiefs fans, would you rather have a local or another foreigner as Nabi’s assistant coach? Leave your comments below.
Leave a Reply