Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz is expected to use Sunday’s Toyota Cup meeting with Scotland FC to showcase his likely first-choice XI, with the futures of Glody Lilepo, Thabo Cele and Ashley Du Preez still unresolved.
Amakhosi face the Scottish giants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg in what is effectively their final full-scale rehearsal before the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
Chiefs begin their league campaign away to top-flight newcomers Kruger United on 1 August, and Da Cruz is eager to generate momentum – and clarity – with a strong performance in front of the club’s supporters.
Strongest line-up expected after Spain tour
Da Cruz has had several weeks to evaluate his squad during a pre-season tour of Spain, and the Toyota Cup fixture is being viewed inside the club as the clearest indication yet of his preferred line-up and tactical approach.
With the new campaign approaching, the Frenchman is expected to name as strong a side as possible against Scotland FC, using the match to fine-tune combinations and solidify selection calls that will carry into the Premiership opener.
Club insiders see Sunday’s game as a key marker for which players Da Cruz trusts, and which may be edging towards the exit at Naturena.
New signings in, familiar faces out
Chiefs have moved to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
Defender Thabo Moloisane, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko have all arrived, and further signings are anticipated before the transfer window closes.
Several players have already departed Naturena. Aden McCarthy, George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, Tashreeq Morris and Gaston Sirino have left the club as Da Cruz and the Chiefs hierarchy continue to refresh the squad.
Cele and Lilepo left out in the cold
The most immediate uncertainty centres on Cele and Lilepo, who were both omitted from the group that travelled to Spain for pre-season.
Da Cruz has been clear that Cele is not part of his thinking going forward.
“For Thabo Cele we have a lot of players in his position and I prefer other profiles and for the moment he’s not on my plans,” he said, speaking to FARPost.
Lilepo, by contrast, appears closer to the exit because of external interest rather than purely tactical reasons.
“First for, Lilepo has other opportunities elsewhere and the management is open to listen [to offers],” Da Cruz explained.
Chiefs are therefore prepared to entertain bids for the Congolese attacker, with his omission from the tour underlining how near a parting of ways could be.
Du Preez linked with Phili swap
Du Preez’s situation is also drawing attention, with the forward consistently linked with a move away from Naturena.
Reports suggest Chiefs could consider using Du Preez in a deal to bring Stellenbosch FC winger Langelihle Phili to the club, although no agreement has been announced and all parties remain in place for now.
For Du Preez – and others whose long-term roles are in question – Sunday’s match could either reinforce the perception that they are surplus to requirements or offer a late opportunity to convince Da Cruz they can still be central to his plans.
Selection calls to signal direction
With the first league fixture at Kruger United fast approaching, the Toyota Cup clash is set to serve as a selection barometer for Chiefs fans.
The line-up Da Cruz chooses against Scotland FC, along with the players excluded from the matchday squad, is expected to provide the strongest indication yet of how he intends to shape his team for the new Betway Premiership season – and which high-profile names may soon be heading for the exit.
