Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Local assistant to Da Cruz identified, latest transfers & defeat to Pirates

Latest Kaizer Chiefs news, including reports that former Amakhosi coach Dillon Sheppard is set to return to Naturena as Fernando da Cruz’s second assistant, plus the latest on the squad rebuild ahead of the new PSL season.

Dillon Sheppard primed for Kaizer Chiefs role

Kaizer Chiefs are closing in on the appointment of former Amakhosi coach Dillon Sheppard as the club’s second assistant coach under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz as per The South African.

Sheppard has previous experience at the club and would bring a degree of familiarity with the Naturena environment to Da Cruz’s incoming setup.

His appointment would complete a two-man assistant coaching structure for Da Cruz, sitting alongside Egyptian coach Mahmoud Abbas, who was confirmed earlier this week.

Amakhosi have also brought in Frenchman Julien Le Heran as Head of Sports Science Development, giving the club a fresh scientific approach to player preparation and conditioning.

Sweeping changes imminent at Naturena

Kaizer Chiefs are undergoing a sweeping transformation across their technical department as the club prepares for life under Da Cruz.

The overhaul stretches beyond the dugout, with significant activity already recorded in the transfer market during what is shaping up to be a busy pre-season window.

Reports suggest at least four more players could follow McCarthy out of Naturena in the coming weeks as Da Cruz begins trimming and reshaping his squad.

Chiefs are also understood to be assessing several transfer targets from Orlando Pirates, other PSL rivals, and at least one overseas-based player to strengthen key positions.

Rushine Dortley return boosts Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs have been boosted following news that defender Rushine Dortley is now fully fit and ready to play next season.

@KaizerChiefs what a beautiful game 6:2! @DortleyRus8900 good to hear that you are fit and will play in the upcoming season! The boys look sharp! @A_B_Ditlhobolo @_izodlalaiTv pic.twitter.com/AidR7zd5Q3

— Tman _KingT (@KingTshepoL) June 20, 2026

Dortley has not played since undergoing surgery in March 2025 with his projected return date changing after a number of setbacks in his recovery and he was not able to feature at all in the 2025-26 season.

However, after over one year out, he is now ready and will be part of the club’s pre-season tour of Germany next month.

Chiefs finish fourth in legends tournament

Kaizer Chiefs could only manage fourth place in a legend’s tournament following defeats to Orlando Pirates and Botswana’s Township Rollers.

In the Clash of Legends Cup, Chiefs started their campaign against Pirates, losing 1-0 before taking on Rollers in the third-place playoff.

However, any hopes for a consolation prize went up in smoke as they lost 4-2 to the Botswana side.