Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Da Cruz squad warning, World Cup low for Amakhosi, transfers & more

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Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Da Cruz squad warning, World Cup low for Amakhosi, transfers & more
Photo - AF ZA

Latest Kaizer Chiefs news, in the last 24 hours, including a club legend’s warning to the squad over incoming coach Fernando Da Cruz, a new World Cup low for Amakhosi, and former co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef’s ruthless start at Durban City.

 

Kaizer Chiefs squad gets Da Cruz warning

Kaizer Chiefs’ players have been told to brace for a culture shift at Naturena once Fernando Da Cruz officially takes the reins next month.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz
Fernando Da Cruz. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Former Amakhosi striker Pollen Ndlanya, who played under French coaches Philippe Troussier and Paul Dolezar during his own Chiefs career, believes the squad needs to understand the mentality behind the appointment rather than read it as hostility.

“Look, French coaches can be arrogant, and sometimes because of that we tend to think they are racist,” Ndlanya told iDiski Times.

“But no, they are just driven; they always want you to give 120%. You have to put in the effort as a player. Troussier was a very disciplined coach who wanted to win at all costs, and he always encouraged us that you must give 120% at training.”

Amakhosi hit a new World Cup low

Bafana Bafana’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also brought an unwanted milestone for Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross warming up during Bafana's World Cup campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross warming up during Bafana’s World Cup campaign. Photo: Imago

For the first time in the club’s history of representation at the tournament, Chiefs went into a World Cup without having a single player feature on the pitch. Bradley Cross was the club’s only representative in the squad, selected as cover for Aubrey Modiba, and did not get any minutes as expected.

The dip is a sharp contrast to previous tournaments: at France ’98, Doctor Khumalo and Brian Baloyi were both involved, with Khumalo coming off the bench late in the group stage. Cyril Nzama and Jabu Pule represented the club four years later in Korea/Japan, while the high point came in 2010, when Itumeleng Khune, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala all started for Bafana on home soil.

Ben Youssef wields the axe at Durban City

Former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef.
Former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Elsewhere, former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has wasted no time making his mark in his new role.

Just days after being unveiled as Durban City’s head coach, the Tunisian tactician sanctioned the release of nine players from the Durban-based club. Four loan players — Terrence Mashego, Taahir Goedeman, Ronaldo Maarman and Siphiwe Mahlangu — return to their parent clubs after their agreements expired, while five more, Falakhe Tshanini, Odwa Nyulu, Joslin Kamatuka, Onele Rulwana and Lindokuhle Chonco, depart following the end of their contracts.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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