Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Inacio Miguel says their pre-season training camp in Spain has placed them in a strong position ahead of the 2026/27 season as he reflects on the real test they endured during their time overseas.
The Soweto giants were back in Europe, but this time opted for Spain, after spending time in the Netherlands in 2025. During the 10 days away from home, Amakhosi played three friendly matches, first drawing 1-1 with Scottish giants Rangers FC and also recording the same result against Saudi Pro League side Al Khoolod.
Spanish La Liga outfit Elche CF then beat Chiefs 2-1 to have the Glamour Boys end their tour of Europe on a losing note.
THE BIGGER PICTURE BEHIND CHIEFS’ TOUR: MIGUEL SAYS IT WAS MORE THAN RESULTS
Amakhosi centre-back Miguel says they are ready to cash in on the work they invested during pre-season, stressing that their results in Spain don’t reflect the progress they made.
“Pre-season was hard. We worked a lot, both physically and also psychologically, because we were away from our families and we were in an unfamiliar environment and very hot weather conditions, which we had to deal with,” said Miguel.
“But we are on a mission to achieve success this season, so we had to test ourselves in pre-season to see how we can reach our top level. It has put us in a strong position.
“I understand and appreciate that our fans want us to win, but those games were more about preparation, so we were more focused on how we played than the results, our strategy and adapting to the ideas of our new coach. The technical staff were happy with the progress we made, and now we want to go out and implement it when the season begins.”
INACIO MIGUEL VOWS TO REWARD KAIZER CHIEFS FANS
After finishing third in the Betway Premiership campaign last season, Chiefs set a bar for themselves to end the upcoming campaign higher up the table. But they will have to balance duties in five competitions this term.
There is the elusive league title they are bidding to clinch for the first time since 2025, the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and the Nedbank Cup. The Soweto giants are also back in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they reached the group stage last season.
Miguel says it’s payback time as they seek to bring smiles to their fans in a season that promises to be busy.
“This is my third season at the club, and the support has been truly amazing. The fans are so committed to the team,” added the Amakhosi star.
“Even in the toughest times, they stand behind us, which is greatly appreciated by everyone of us players. We are competing for a lot of trophies this season, and we will do our best to reward them for their passion and loyalty.”
RELATED STORY: Inacio Miguel: ‘The PSL is a dream for Africans’
