Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are stepping up their pre-season preparations under new head coaches Fernando Da Cruz and Abdeslam Ouaddou, pictured. Photo: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will continue their respective pre-season tours in Spain this week as preparations for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign gather momentum.
Both Soweto giants are using the European camps to sharpen fitness, integrate new signings and allow their coaching staffs to assess combinations ahead of another demanding domestic season. While Chiefs have already begun their programme, Pirates are still preparing for their opening fixture under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Chiefs made an encouraging start to life under Fernando da Cruz after holding Scottish giants Rangers to a 1-1 draw in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Sunday.
Amakhosi took the lead late in the encounter before Findlay Curtis restored parity for Rangers, with both coaches making wholesale changes throughout the match as they prioritised match fitness over the final result. Despite conceding late, the performance offered promising signs for Da Cruz, who was afforded his first opportunity to assess his squad in match conditions since taking charge at Naturena.
