Kaizer Chiefs hold Scottish giants Rangers to draw in first pre-season test in Spain

South African outfit Kaizer Chiefs began their pre-season preparations with a creditable 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers during a behind-closed-doors friendly in Spain.

The encounter formed part of the Soweto giants’ training camp in Europe as the club steps up preparations for the 2026/27 campaign, where they will be aiming to compete for the league title.

The closed-door nature of the fixture allowed both coaching staffs to experiment with different tactical systems, assess player fitness and provide valuable minutes to members of their squads without the pressure of a competitive environment.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the match represented the first real test of their preparations after returning for pre-season training. The technical team will have been encouraged by the team’s ability to compete against one of Scotland’s most successful clubs as they continue to build match sharpness ahead of the new season.

The Amakhosi are expected to use their tour of Spain to fine-tune their tactics, improve players’ fitness levels and integrate any new arrivals before the domestic campaign gets underway.

Facing Rangers also offered Kaizer Chiefs the opportunity to measure themselves against quality European opposition, with such fixtures providing invaluable experience and helping identify areas that require improvement before competitive football resumes.

The club is expected to play additional friendly matches during the Spanish training camp as preparations intensify for another demanding season that will include domestic league commitments, cup competitions and continental football.

With several weeks still remaining before the start of the season, the technical bench will be hoping to build on the encouraging performance against Rangers and ensure the squad is in peak condition when competitive action returns.