- Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz fell ill shortly after the final whistle of Tuesday's Betway Premiership draw with Stellenbosch FC
- Assistant coach Dillan Shepperd stepped in at the post-match press conference and confirmed Da Cruz needed medical attention
- Despite the health scare, Da Cruz remains unbeaten in the Betway Premiership as Chiefs prepare for CAF Confederation Cup action in Zambia
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz was struck by a sudden illness after his side's 1-1 Betway Premiership stalemate with Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, forcing assistant coach Dillan Shepperd to represent the club at the post-match press conference.
Shepperd confirmed that Da Cruz had vomited in the moments following the final whistle and was being assessed by medical staff. "Ya, the coach has fallen ill," Shepperd told reporters. "He was vomitting so ya, he needed the doctors checking on him, to see if he is ok."
Da Cruz still unbeaten in the league
Despite the health scare, Da Cruz's unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership remains intact. Tuesday's result was Amakhosi's fifth draw in eight league matches, with the other three ending in victories. Kaizer Chiefs sit fourth on the standings, nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, though they hold a game in hand.
On the pitch, Stellenbosch broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half when Sinoxolo Kwayiba finished clinically inside the box after Terence Mashego created the opportunity down the left flank. Kaizer Chiefs levelled in the 58th minute through a composed near-post finish from Mduduzi Shabalala.
Chiefs eye CAF Confederation Cup campaign
Attention at Naturena now turns to continental action. Kaizer Chiefs travel to Zambia on Saturday, 17 October, to face Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The return leg will be hosted at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 23 October.
Chiefs' next five fixtures are as follows:
- Sat, 17 Oct 2026: Red Arrows, CAF Confederation Cup, away (first leg) at 15:00
- Fri, 23 Oct 2026: Red Arrows, CAF Confederation Cup, home (second leg) at 18:00
- Sat, 31 Oct 2026: Orlando Pirates, Betway Premiership, away at 15:30
- Sat, 28 Nov 2026: Chippa United, Betway Premiership, away at 15:30
- Sat, 5 Dec 2026: Milford FC, Betway Premiership, away at 20:15
Source: Briefly News