Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates are back on European soil as head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou prepares his squad for a monumental 2026/27 campaign.
After ending a 14-year drought to lift the league title last season, the Buccaneers are facing an incredibly demanding calendar. Not only will they be defending their domestic crown, but they are also returning to the prestigious CAF Champions League. With star winger Relebohile Mofokeng having departed for Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, this five-match tour in Spain is crucial for building new attacking combinations.
Pre-Season Results in Spain
- Match 1: Córdoba CF 1–1 Orlando Pirates
- Date: Wednesday, 15 July
- Pirates Scorer: Boitumelo Radiopane (75th minute)
- The Story: The Bucs showed great resilience after falling behind early, fighting back in the second half. Radiopane’s lethal equalizer ensured Ouaddou’s men opened their European account with a hard-earned draw.
Remaining Spanish Tour Fixtures & Kick-Off Times
The Sea Robbers have four high-profile fixtures left on their European schedule to test squad depth and build match fitness against Spanish and Middle Eastern opposition.
- Fixture 2: Orlando Pirates vs Cádiz CF
- Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026
- Kick-Off: Time TBC
- Fixture 3: Orlando Pirates vs Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)
- Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026
- Kick-Off: 19:00 (South African Time)
- Fixture 4: Orlando Pirates vs UD Las Palmas (La Liga)
- Date: Wednesday, 22 July 2026
- Kick-Off: 19:00 (South African Time)
- Fixture 5: Orlando Pirates vs NEOM SC
- Date: Friday, 24 July 2026
- Kick-Off: 19:00 (South African Time)
With domestic rivals Mamelodi Sundowns entering the CAF Champions League as defending African champions, the Buccaneers are using this grueling Spanish camp to prove they have exactly what it takes to conquer both South Africa and the continent.
