Fernando Da Cruz Sets Bold Trophy Target for Kaizer Chiefs Ahead of 2026/27 Season
A new season brings fresh hope at Kaizer Chiefs, but Fernando Da Cruz is not interested in modest ambitions.
The Amakhosi head coach has delivered a clear message before his side kicks off the 2026/27 campaign. Kaizer Chiefs will not prioritise one competition over another. Instead, they intend to fight for every trophy on offer as the club looks to end years of inconsistency and reclaim its place among South Africa’s elite.
It is a statement that reflects both confidence and the weight of expectation surrounding one of the country’s biggest football clubs.
Chiefs open their season against Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex on Sunday, 26 July. Their Betway Premiership campaign then begins with an away fixture against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 1 August.
After another frustrating league campaign and with only a single major trophy, the Nedbank Cup, to show for the past decade, pressure is mounting on the Soweto giants to produce sustained success.
Da Cruz believes that mentality must begin with a simple objective.
“We will play every game to win,” he said.
While the French coach acknowledged the long and demanding nature of the league campaign, he stressed that consistency will be the key to mounting a genuine title challenge.
“The Betway Premiership is a marathon. You cannot win it in December or January, but you must make sure you are close to the leading teams by March or April.”
Rather than focusing solely on league success, Da Cruz insists Chiefs must approach every competition with the same determination.
“There are also different cup competitions, and we want to win every game and every trophy that is available,” he said.
The comments are likely to resonate with a fan base that has endured years of disappointment despite the club’s rich history and enormous support.
For supporters, lifting the Nedbank Cup offered a glimpse of what could be possible. However, one trophy has not erased a decade of underachievement. Expectations remain high, and many believe the time has come for Kaizer Chiefs to compete consistently for league honours while challenging for silverware across all competitions.
The coming months will reveal whether Da Cruz’s bold vision can be transformed into results on the pitch.
With the Toyota Cup providing the first test and the Betway Premiership campaign set to begin soon after, Chiefs have an immediate opportunity to show that their ambitions are more than words.
For a club built on success, the 2026/27 season could prove to be a defining chapter in its journey back to the top.
