Orlando Pirates have officially wrapped up their pre-season tour in Spain and are heading back home to Mzansi to put the final touches on their preparations for the new season.
After weeks of grinding overseas and getting themselves up to speed against tough international opposition, the Buccaneers’ attention now shifts entirely to domestic business.
The Sea Robbers will open their title defence in exactly a week’s time, welcoming newly promoted Milford FC to the iconic Orlando Stadium for a blockbuster matchday one showdown.
Orlando Pirates pre-season results
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side played five highly competitive pre-season friendlies during their camp in Spain at the Marbella Football Centre.
The Buccaneers opened their tour with a solid 1–1 draw against Spanish side Córdoba CF, with Boitumelo Radiopane netting the team’s solitary goal.
Orlando Pirates then followed it up with a strong 2–1 win over Cádiz CF, thanks to strikes from Tshepang Moremi and Daniel Msendami.
Saudi giants Al-Ittihad provided a stern test next, with the Buccaneers narrowly losing a five-goal thriller 3–2. Thalente Mbatha and Yanela Mbuthuma got on the scoresheet for Ouaddou’s men.
The Buccaneers returned to winning ways in their fourth outing, with Radiopane once again making the difference via a solitary strike against Spanish second-division side Las Palmas.
Orlando Pirates ultimately wrapped up their European campaign with a narrow 1–0 defeat against Saudi top-flight outfit NEOM SC.
Now, attention turns to the real business for the Buccaneers as they begin their Betway Premiership and MTN8 title defences over the coming month.
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
