Fernando Da Cruz has set out a clear plan to reshape Kaizer Chiefs’ forward line, revealing he is pushing for four new attacking players in an attempt to make the team more unpredictable and harder to contain next season.
The new Kaizer Chiefs coach says he has asked the club’s hierarchy to recruit a central striker, two wingers and an attack-minded midfielder, arguing that fresh “profiles” are needed to diversify the side’s play in the final third.
“A striker, new wingers and an offensive midfielder. We have good profiles (already), but we asked management to get different profiles, so that we can play different football and be less predictable,” Da Cruz explained.
The Frenchman’s comments underline his intention to remodel the team’s attacking structure rather than simply add depth, with a clear emphasis on variety and tactical flexibility in forward areas.
Lilepo set to leave as Da Cruz trims options
As he looks to refresh his frontline, Chiefs will part company with Congolese wide attacker Glody Lilepo before the new campaign kicks off. The winger is being moved on as part of the broader reshaping of the attacking unit under the new coach.
Da Cruz also confirmed that midfielder Thabo Cele does not form part of his immediate plans. While he did not expand on the reasons, his stance suggests that Cele is unlikely to feature prominently in the short term as the coach refines the squad to fit his playing model.
The decisions on Lilepo and Cele point to a targeted restructuring rather than a wholesale clear-out, with Da Cruz focusing specifically on players in advanced positions who can deliver the variety he is seeking.
Mixed fan reaction to Mtasingwa addition
Away from the coach’s own requests, some recent business has already drawn scrutiny from parts of the Chiefs support base.
On Facebook, a number of supporters have posted strong criticism of the signing of Adolf Mtasingwa, questioning whether he matches the quality they believe the club should be attracting. Several comments suggest a feeling that the new arrival does not meet the standards historically associated with the Soweto giants.
The club has not publicly responded to the online reaction, but the debate highlights the pressure on both the technical team and new recruits as Chiefs attempt to rebuild and return to contention.
Youngster Nkgwesa hungry after Rangers run-out
One player looking to seize the opportunity in this new era is 19-year-old left-back Kabelo Nkgwesa.
Nicknamed “Festival”, Nkgwesa was handed minutes in Chiefs’ opening friendly of their current tour, a 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers. The outing gave the teenager a first taste of senior action, and he is now determined to push for more involvement with the first team.
His emergence offers Da Cruz a youthful option on the left side of defence as the coach evaluates his squad and assesses where further reinforcements are required.
Kruger United date opens new league campaign
While transfer plans dominate the agenda, Chiefs now also know the shape of their early domestic schedule.
Betway Premiership newcomers Kruger United will host Kaizer Chiefs on the opening day of the 2026-27 season, with the fixture scheduled for Saturday, 1 August. The encounter will mark Kruger United’s first top-flight match and provide an early test for Da Cruz’s reshaped side.
With the World Cup now over, attention in South African football is turning back to the weekly demands of league action, where Chiefs will look to translate their off-season recruitment drive and tactical reset into consistent results.
Kruger United’s debut on the big stage is expected to attract significant attention, even if – as some have joked – the Bushbuckridge club are unlikely to see another high-profile “photobomb” such as the one involving Donald Trump during a previous media moment.
