Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Khune’s slams Da Cruz’s tactics, coach’s title admission & more

Kaizer Chiefs news, including Itumeleng Khune’s sharp criticism of coach Fernando da Cruz’s tactics despite the Toyota Cup triumph, a fresh supporters’ collection for 2026/27, and the Frenchman’s honest take on the title race.

Khune disappointed despite Toyota Cup win

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune pulled no punches in his assessment of Amakhosi’s Toyota Cup performance, despite the Soweto giants lifting the trophy for the first time with a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC at a packed Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

Mfundo Vilakazi’s first-half strike proved enough to clinch the win, but the retired goalkeeper was far from impressed by how coach Fernando Da Cruz set up his side.

Speaking on SABC1, Khune questioned the team’s approach, pointing to Scottland FC enjoying more possession than the hosts and criticising what he saw as a direct, long-ball style that contradicted Da Cruz’s stated playing philosophy.

“We heard it’s coach Da Cruz’s philosophy to put the ball down and play, but as the home team I didn’t see that happening,” Khune said, as per KickOff. “I think they were predictable most of the time in the game.”

Khune also felt that new signings should have been given more minutes in a fixture designed to prepare the squad for competitive action, adding that he was disappointed by the overall showing.

However, the Amakhosi legend acknowledged that finally winning the Toyota Cup after previous defeats — a 4-0 humiliation by Young Africans in 2024 and a penalty shootout loss to Asante Kotoko in 2025 — counts as a morale boost heading into the new Betway Premiership campaign.

Chiefs unveil 2026/27 Supporters’ Range

Kaizer Chiefs have expanded their off-field offering with the launch of the 2026/27 Supporters’ Range, a comprehensive lifestyle collection produced in partnership with Kappa and now available through the club’s official online store.

The range has been designed for the entire Amakhosi family, featuring apparel for men, women and children alongside training wear, leisure clothing and match-inspired pieces.

Standout items include graphic golf shirts priced between R749 and R799, a grey-and-yellow supporters’ tracksuit retailing for R1,399, and a sleek black tracksuit top with azure-blue shoulder detailing for R999.

Da Cruz makes candid title race admission

Coach Fernando da Cruz has tempered expectations around whether Kaizer Chiefs are ready to challenge Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for major honours, admitting his squad remains a work in progress.

The Frenchman took charge during the off-season and enjoyed a full pre-season with the squad, including a training camp in Spain where the team played several friendlies. Chiefs rounded off preparations by lifting the Toyota Cup with that narrow win over Scottland FC.

Despite the encouraging result, Da Cruz told reporters that the club is still searching for reinforcements — particularly in attacking areas — and will only be in a position to judge the squad’s title credentials once the roster is finalised, as per iDiski Times.

“For the moment, we’re looking for offensive options. Then once our entire squad is finished, then you can ask us if we’re able to challenge other teams to win the titles in the PSL and also have an advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup,” said Da Cruz.