Orlando Pirates enter the third match of their five-game Spanish pre-season tour on Tuesday evening, taking on Saudi Pro League titans Al-Ittihad at the Marbella Football Center. Kickoff is set for 19:00 SAST.
Following a 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF and a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Cádiz CF, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to field a significantly stronger lineup. With Bafana Bafana internationals returning to full club training, the Moroccan tactician is shifting focus from squad rotation to establishing a core starting XI for the 2026/27 campaign.
Expected Orlando Pirates Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Siyabonga Dladla
- Defenders: Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba
- Midfielders: Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Abdoulaye Mariko, Patrick Maswanganyi
- Forwards: Bohlale Ngwato, Mpho Padime, Evidence Makgopa
Integration: Summary of Summer Signings
Ouaddou has used the European camp to blend seven new signings into the Buccaneers’ tactical structure:
- Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Midfielder) — Signed from Stellenbosch FC
- Sbangani Zulu (Central Defender) — Signed from Richards Bay
- Bohlale Ngwato (Winger) — Signed from Siwelele FC
- Ghampani Lungu (Striker) — Signed from Siwelele FC
- Neo Rapoo (Left Wing-Back) — Signed from Siwelele FC
- Matome Mmolai (Midfielder) — Signed from Leicesterford City
- Aphiwe Baliti (Left Wing-Back) — Signed from Siwelele FC (out on loan for 2026/27)
With a demanding 5-trophy schedule ahead—starting with an MTN8 quarter-final and the Betway Premiership opener—tonight’s fixture against Al-Ittihad serves as an essential gauge of Pirates’ readiness.
