The Fernando Da Cruz era at Naturena is officially underway on European soil. In their opening pre-season friendly match of their high-profile tour in Spain, a new-look Kaizer Chiefs side put on a highly competitive display before being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Scottish heavyweights Rangers FC.
While a momentary lapse in the 89th minute denied the French tactician a perfect winning start to his tenure, the high-intensity exercise offered an invaluable first glimpse into the club’s updated tactical framework ahead of the incoming Betway Premiership season.
Ighodaro Stakes Early Claim as Rangers Snatch Late Draw
The Glamour Boys looked structured and sharp from the opening whistle, taking a well-deserved lead through newly arrived Nigerian marksman Etiosa Ighodaro. The powerhouse striker showed immense predatory instinct to bypass the Rangers backline and fire Amakhosi ahead.
Chiefs looked comfortably on course to secure a massive continental scalp until the literal closing seconds of the match. Capitalizing on a late defensive fatigue error in the box, Rangers’ Findlay Curtis found the back of the net to snatch an equalizer right before the final whistle.
Da Cruz Tests His Naturena Squad Depth
True to pre-season form, coach Da Cruz prioritized match fitness, tactical versatility, and chemistry by fielding two heavily rotated squads across both halves:
- Starting XI: Brandon Petersen (C), Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Inácio Miguel, Given Msimango, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Kamohelo Maboe, Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi, Ethan Chislett, Flávio Silva.
- Second-Half Cameos: Renaldo Leaner, Zitha Kwinika, Reeve Frosler, Kabelo Nkgwesa, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Pule Mmodi, Asanele Velebayi.
The Road Ahead: Remaining Pre-Season Fixtures
Amakhosi won’t have long to dwell on the late equalizer, with a packed international schedule waiting to test the squad:
- 15 July 2026: vs. Al Kholood Club (Saudi Pro League) – Pinatar Arena, Spain (11:00 SAST)
- 18 July 2026: vs. Elche CF (La Liga 2) – Pinatar Arena, Spain (19:00 SAST)
- 26 July 2026: vs. Scottland FC (Toyota Cup) – Royal Bafokeng Stadium, South Africa (TBC)
