By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image@RangersFC.
Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1-1 draw against Glasgow Rangers in their first pre-season opener at Marbella Football Center on Sunday night.
Chiefs had taken a 77th minute lead, though striker Etiosa Ighodaro and Findlay Curtis sent a superb dipping shot over the goalkeeper to draw level in the final minutes of the match.
The match was played behind closed doors and not streamed or televised.
Chiefs will spend 10 days in Alicante, a bustling coastal city known for its Mediterranean climate as part of their pre-season training programme.
The camp is designed to prepare the squad for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign with a mix of intensive training sessions and competitive fixtures against international opposition.
As part of the tour, Amakhosi will play two more matches against clubs from different footballing regions:
- Al Kholood (Saudi Pro League) – 15 July
- Elche CF (Spain, La Liga) – 18 July
Following the Spanish tour, Chiefs will return home to continue preparations. Their first assignment will be the Toyota Cup match against Zimbabwean giants Scottland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July.
Meanwhile Chiefs and midfielder Thabo Cele are engaged in discussions over a possible early exit, although the player is prepared to honour the remainder of his contract should an agreement not be reached.
Cele came in in January 2025 to bolster the team’s midfield, but he has not made the desired impact. Fullview understands if a permanent or loan move is not secured, Chiefs will be forced to retain the midfielder.