The Kaizer Chiefs squad touched down in Johannesburg on Monday morning on their return from a very productive pre-season training camp in Spain.

Based in the Mediterranean coastal city of Alicante, Chiefs played three practice matches against strong international opposition, beginning with a credible 1-1 draw against Scottish giants, Rangers, followed by another 1-1 draw against Saudi Pro League club, Al Kholood, and ending off with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Spanish La Liga side, Elche CF.

Speaking shortly after landing at OR Tambo airport, newly-appointed head coach, Fernando Da Cruz said, “The conditions at the training camp were very good despite the extreme heat, which affected us in playing three games in the short space of six days. Nevertheless, we were competitive in these matches against high-level teams, which gave us valuable insights to learn from.

“The attitude and team spirit were excellent,” he continued, “and we have made good progress in our preparations.”

Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr. elaborated on the thinking underpinning the trip, explaining, “The idea of the camp in Spain was about taking the team away from home to experience, a different environment with unfamiliar conditions, integrating the new technical team and also working on induction details for getting the team ready for the season.

“Playing practice matches against opponents from various leagues around the world proved worthwhile in helping the team adapt to different styles of play and, with the help of our mental coach who worked on the psychological aspects of the game and team building exercises, we achieved all of our intended goals.”

The squad will immediately begin preparations to face Zimbabwean club, Scottland FC in the season curtain-raiser Toyota Cup clash in Rustenburg on Sunday before kicking off their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against promoted Kruger United in Mbombela a week later on 1 August.

Tickets for the Toyota Cup match in Rustenburg are on sale through Computicket and at Shoprite and Checkers outlets for R100. Supporters with tickets stand a chance to win a Toyota Hilux at the match by sending an SMS with their ticket number to 48952.