By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter
Kaizer Chiefs have officially begun their preparations for the 2026/27 season after holding their first training session in Alicante, Spain, on Saturday.
The South African giants are in Spain for a 10-day pre-season training camp aimed at improving fitness, tactical organisation and team chemistry under head coach Fernando da Cruz.
The camp comes shortly after Amakhosi unveiled their new kit for the upcoming campaign and marks a crucial phase of their preparations ahead of the new domestic season.
Based in the Mediterranean city of Alicante, Kaizer Chiefs will train at top-class facilities while taking advantage of warm weather conditions before facing three international opponents in friendly matches.
Their first test will be against Scottish Premiership giants Rangers FC on 12 July in a behind-closed-doors encounter. Chiefs will then face Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood on 15 July before concluding the tour against Spanish La Liga club Elche CF on 18 July. The final two matches will be open to supporters.
The three friendlies are expected to provide Fernando da Cruz with an opportunity to assess his squad against teams from different footballing backgrounds while fine-tuning tactics ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
After returning to South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs will continue their pre-season preparations before taking on Zimbabwean outfit Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup in Rustenburg on 26 July.
