Orlando Pirates are gearing up for their second high-profile pre-season friendly in Spain this Saturday, 18 July, as they face Spanish side Cádiz CF.
Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF—where Boitumelo Radiopane netted the equalizer—head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to accelerate his tactical experimentation. With the shocking departure of wonderkid Relebohile Mofokeng, the Buccaneers are actively looking to reinvent their frontline before the Betway Premiership season kicks off.
The 4-3-3 Experiment: Life After a Traditional No. 10
Mofokeng’s exit has left a massive creative void behind the main striker. While Patrick Maswanganyi remains a premier option, questions over consistent output have prompted Ouaddou to consider a major structural change.
Instead of deploying a traditional attacking midfielder, the French-Moroccan tactician is rumored to be testing a balanced 4-3-3 formation. This system relies on a sturdy holding midfielder anchoring two dynamic, box-to-box advanced central midfielders, allowing the wingers to cut inward and carry the primary goal-scoring threat.
Saturday’s clash with Cádiz provides the ultimate litmus test for this structural rebuild, focusing heavily on squad rotation and European-level match fitness.
Predicted Orlando Pirates Starting XI vs Cádiz CF
Reflecting Ouaddou’s second-half squad rotation against Córdoba, here is how the Buccaneers are expected to line up in their new-look system:
| Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Sipho Chaine |
| Defenders | Kamohelo Sebelebele, Cristian Derbyshire, Tapelo Xoki, Neo Rapoo |
| Midfielders | Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Cemran Dansin, Simphiwe Masilela |
| Forwards | Bohlale Ngwato, Boitumelo Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi |
