- Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz fell ill immediately after his side's 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday
- Da Cruz was absent from the post-match press conference, with assistant coach Dillan Shepperd confirming the Frenchman had vomited after the final whistle
- The coach addressed his condition in public for the first time at the Carling Knockout last 16 draw on Wednesday night
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has given his first public update on his health, confirming he has fully recovered after a concerning episode following his side's Betway Premiership match on Tuesday.
Da Cruz was absent from the post-match press conference after the 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium. His assistant, Dillan Shepperd, confirmed at the time that the French coach had vomited after the final whistle and was unable to fulfil his media duties.
**Da Cruz Speaks Out at Carling Knockout Draw**
The coach addressed the situation through his interpreter and fitness assistant, Julien Le Heran, at the Carling Knockout last 16 draw on Wednesday evening.
"Thanks for the question. He is feeling very well. He was just vomiting after the game. But now he feels very well," Le Heran said on Da Cruz's behalf.
The match that preceded the health scare had ended level after Sinoxolo Kwayiba gave Amakhosi the lead, only for Mduduzi Shabalala to equalise for Stellenbosch.
Chiefs Eye CAF Campaign After Unbeaten Run
Despite concerns about his wellbeing, Da Cruz's record in the Betway Premiership remains intact. Kaizer Chiefs remain unbeaten after eight league matches, with three wins and five draws. The Soweto giants currently sit fourth on the standings, nine points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, though they hold a game in hand.
Attention now shifts to continental competition. Kaizer Chiefs travel to Zambia on Saturday, 17 October 2026, for the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round qualifier against Red Arrows. Kick-off at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is set for 15:00. The return leg is scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium on 23 October 2026.
Last season, Amakhosi narrowly missed the quarterfinals after finishing third in their group behind Zamalek and Al-Masry.
Source: Briefly News
Authors:
Hot: