Kaizer Chiefs Clear-Out Continues: Da Cruz Starts Cleaning Up at Naturena

Kaizer Chiefs Clear-Out Continues: Da Cruz Starts Cleaning Up at Naturena

Kaizer Chiefs are continuing to reshape their squad under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, with the club confirming the departures of two first-team players as the new era at Naturena gathers momentum.

Defender Given Msimango and striker Ashley du Preez have both left Kaizer Chiefs to join Stellenbosch FC, bringing an end to their respective spells with the Soweto giants. The club officially confirmed the moves on 4 August.

The departures are another clear indication that Da Cruz is serious about building a squad capable of competing for trophies. The French coach has already made it clear that he wants different profiles in key attacking positions, with Chiefs looking to strengthen their options going forward.

Da Cruz cleaning the “bad corpse”?

The changes at Naturena could be viewed as the beginning of a much bigger clean-up. Da Cruz appears determined to put his own stamp on the team rather than simply continue with the squad he inherited.

The coach has already taken firm decisions regarding players whose profiles do not fit his plans. Glody Lilepo has been linked with an exit, while Thabo Cele was previously confirmed by Da Cruz as being outside his plans because of competition for positions in midfield.

For Chiefs supporters, this could be the start of a major transformation.

The message from the new coach appears to be simple: if a player does not fit his footballing vision, changes will be made.

Msimango and Du Preez both made meaningful contributions during their time at the club, and Chiefs thanked them for their professionalism and service. But football is constantly changing, and Da Cruz is now looking towards the future.

With new players arriving and others being shown the exit door, the rebuilding process at Naturena is becoming impossible to ignore.

The big question now is: who will be next to leave as Da Cruz continues cleaning up his squad?