NafisaRangers’ preparations for the new season are continuing to gather pace as Derek McInnes puts his squad through an intensive pre-season programme in Spain. With fitness, tactical work and new signings all being integrated ahead of the competitive campaign, every friendly offers another valuable opportunity for the manager to fine-tune his team.
The Gers have already enjoyed a busy summer schedule, recording convincing victories over Raith Rovers and Dunfermline before taking on South African outfit Kaizer Chiefs during their overseas training camp. Although Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw in that latest outing, McInnes will have taken plenty of positives as his players continue building match sharpness.
Attention has now quickly turned to the club’s next challenge, with Rangers set to face one of Asia’s most successful sides in another important pre-season test.
Rangers’ next pre-season opponents confirmed
Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club (JDT) have confirmed they will face Rangers later this week as both clubs continue their preparations for the new season in Spain.
The fixture is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 16, although an official kick-off time has yet to be announced.
The match will form part of Rangers’ ongoing training camp, while it will also be the first of nine scheduled pre-season fixtures for JDT during their time in Spain.
McInnes will be hoping to see further progress from his squad after Rangers opened their summer programme with a 5-1 victory over Raith Rovers before following it up with a 3-1 win against Dunfermline in behind-closed-doors friendlies.
The Light Blues then faced Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, with Findlay Curtis rescuing a 1-1 draw after the South African side had taken the lead during the closing stages.
The upcoming meeting with JDT is expected to provide another demanding examination as Rangers continue preparing for the competitive action ahead.
JDT arrive in Spain full of confidence after another remarkable domestic campaign in Malaysia.
The club broke the Malaysian Super League record for goals scored in a single season after finding the net an astonishing 117 times during the 2025-26 campaign.
Their attacking strength was highlighted by the fact that 27 different players got on the scoresheet, underlining the depth and quality throughout their squad.
Celebrating the achievement on X, JDT posted:
“Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) set a new record for the most goals scored in a Super League season with 117 goals during the 2025-26 season, with 27 different players contributing to the tally. Luaskan Kuasamu Johor.”
For Rangers, the fixture offers another important opportunity to continue integrating new arrivals while allowing McInnes to assess his squad against a side renowned for its attacking football.
Results remain secondary during pre-season, but performances and fitness levels will be closely monitored as Rangers edge closer to the start of the new campaign.
With several more friendlies still to come, the meeting with JDT represents another valuable step in McInnes’ preparations as he looks to have his players fully ready for the challenges that await once competitive football returns.
Nafisa
