COMMENT
Orlando Pirates wrapped up their Spanish pre-season tour with a 2-0 win over La Liga side Granada — a result that not only boosted morale but gave head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou a clearer picture of his squad’s capabilities heading into the 2025/26 season.
Across four matches played at the Marbella Football Centre, the Buccaneers showed flashes of tactical maturity and individual brilliance.
While the early stages of the tour were shaky — marked by a 2-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers and a 1-1 draw with Cypriot club Pafos — there was evident improvement as the team held Las Palmas to a goalless draw before closing out with a deserved win over Granada. But it wasn’t just about results.
☠️ FT || @orlandopirates 2 v 0 @GranadaCF
🎤 Head Coach | Abdeslam Ouaddou
⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/TOUcU2HrUC
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 19, 2025
The Spanish leg of pre-season provided a vital window for Ouaddou to bed in new ideas and assess the impact of fresh arrivals.
Among the standout performers were new signings Sipho Mbule and Sihle Nduli, who both looked comfortable in the Pirates midfield. Mbule, calm and composed in possession, linked well with Thalente Mbatha in the centre of the park, giving Pirates a much-needed sense of control. Nduli, meanwhile, added bite and balance — his energy and ball recovery stood out, particularly against technically sound opposition.
Their partnership added a new dimension to a midfield that often looked too one-paced last season. The ability to dictate tempo and absorb pressure became a recurring theme in the latter stages of the tour — a sign that Ouaddou’s methods are beginning to take root.
In attack, Relebohile Mofokeng once again showed why he remains one of the most exciting young players in the country. Confident, tricky and decisive in transition, he was involved in nearly everything Pirates created going forward. Yet his brilliance also highlighted the team’s most pressing concern — finishing.
Slowly our coach is getting it right, we just need to fix our CB but future looks good. If Mofokeng never gets to wear the no 10 jersey then Dr Khoza n Sono shud just permanently retire that number n let new players create their own legacy with new numbers going forward.
— Khulu Khumalo (@devikhumalo) July 19, 2025
The Soweto giants struggled to convert chances throughout the tour, an issue that persisted even in their final win. Resolving that clinical edge will no doubt be a top priority as the domestic season approaches.
Defensively, the Buccaneers tightened up as the games progressed. They conceded just three goals in four matches and finished with back-to-back clean sheets. Communication and structure improved notably, and while not yet perfect, the backline looked far more assured than at the start of the tour.
Another major positive for Ouaddou will be the growing chemistry within the squad. Despite a demanding training load and mixed results, the players appeared more unified with each passing game. There was intent, belief and an increasing understanding of the tactical framework being laid out.
Now, with Spain in the rear-view mirror, attention turns to the domestic campaign. Pirates begin their competitive season by defending their MTN8 crown in a quarter-final clash against Polokwane City at home.
Ouaddou’s project is still in its infancy, but the early signs from Spain suggest the Buccaneers may well be heading in the right direction — one well-drilled pass at a time.
