Kaizer Chiefs surrender lead to share spoils with Scottish giants

Kaizer Chiefs let a lead slip when they started their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Spain on Sunday.

A late goal from Findlay Curtis, whose cross-shot found the back of the net, salvaged a draw for Derek McInnes’s team after they had fallen behind to the Glamour Boys in the second half.

The squad is currently in Spain for a training camp, ramping up their efforts ahead of the 2026/27 season with coach Fernando da Cruz assessing his players in action for the first time.

Da Cruz utilises most of the squad

Da Cruz started with goalkeeper Brandon Petersen (captain), Thabiso Monyane, Paeka Mako, Miguel Inacio and Given Msimango in defence while Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe played in a two-man midfield. Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi, Ethan Chislett and Flavio da Silva were deployed in attack.

In the second half, Pule Mmodi, new signings Renaldo Leaner and Thabo Moloisane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Zitha Kwinika, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Asanele Velebayi, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler were also involved as Chiefs took the lead in the 77^th minute through a strike from Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro.

However, their lead lasted 12 minutes before Curtis levelled matters for the Scottish giants.

What next for Kaizer Chiefs?

This draw follows two previous closed-door victories for Rangers last week, where they defeated Raith Rovers 5-1 and Dunfermline 3-1.

The team will return to Ibrox for friendlies against St Etienne and West Ham later in July before their league campaign kicks off with an away match at Tannadice.

Meanwhile, Chiefs will remain in Spain and are set to take on Saudi club Al Kholood on Wednesday, July 15 before facing Spanish La Liga side Elche three days later.