Orlando Pirates continues its pre-season preparation for the 2026/27 season, playing a friendly match against Saudi giant Al Ittihad on Tuesday in Spain. Furthermore, the return of players from the Bafana national team has significantly strengthened the club's teamwork.
Sipho Tshabalala returned to the Buccaneers squad, joining the team in Spain after participating in the FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana. Other players, such as Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tshepang Morremotse, and Oswin Appollis, also took a short break after representing the national team at the global tournament before joining their teammates at the Spanish training camp.
The Bafana Bafana national team reached the World Cup playoffs for the first time in the country's history, but their journey ended in a loss to Canada in the Round of 32. After returning from the international assignment, the players were given time to recover before resuming their club duties during Pirates' pre-season.
The return of the national team players increased the level of competition for spots in the squad, as athletes are now vying for starting positions. Head coach Abdelsalam Waddu had the opportunity to work with the entire squad, continuing to implement his tactical ideas before the start of the new season. Tshepang Morremotse quickly demonstrated his effectiveness by scoring in Pirates' previous friendly match against Cadiz, thereby building physical fitness.
Tuesday's match against Al Ittihad is one of the toughest tests of the tour for Pirates, as the Saudi Pro League team is expected to present a different challenge for Waddu's side. In Spain, the technical staff focused not only on results but also on improving physical condition, tactical understanding, and establishing combinations within the squad. Since the teams face competitions in the Betway Premiership, MTN8, domestic cups, and the CAF Champions League, strengthening cohesion during the pre-season remains a key objective.
For the returning Bafana players, the remaining matches offer a chance to regain rhythm after participating in the World Cup while competing for a spot in Pirates' highly competitive squad. Following the meeting with Al Ittihad, the Buccaneers will conclude their Spanish tour with friendly matches against Las Palmas and Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom FC. These matches will allow Waddu additional opportunities to assess the squad and refine preparations before Pirates enter the final phase of recruitment for the 2026/27 season.
Khalil Ben Youssef, former coach of Kaizer Chiefs and representative of Isithombe, has been appointed as the head coach of Durban City. He is preparing to debut in the CAF tournament, where he faces a challenging task—a match against the current league champions, Orlando Pirates, in the MTN8 next month.
Ben Youssef begins the season with Durban after the team finished eighth in its first season in the Betway Premiership. This debut season started under the guidance of experienced coach Gavin Hunt, with Pitso Dladla as his assistant.
Despite securing a spot in the top eight bringing the team the heavy burden of facing the titled Orlando Pirates in the cup opener, Ben Youssef and Durban City hope that the Buccaneers do not possess the sharpness that characterized their previous campaign, given current transfer rumors.
Previously, while working as an assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs, the Tunisian tactician faced Pirates in the Soweto Derby, which ended in a frustrating draw after a previous match where a painful 3-0 victory was secured.
Now Ben Youssef leads the new, motivated Durban City team, which carries significant pressure. They previously met at Orlando Stadium late last season when Dladla was in charge. Thanks to luck and strong defensive discipline, Durban managed to draw 0-0 with Pirates, thus delaying the Buccaneers' championship celebration.
Although Dladla led the club to historic glory in the Nedbank Cup, he lacks experience in the top league and the necessary CAF coaching qualifications. The latter are strict requirements for managing the team in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
Club chairman Farook Kadodia previously stated that they would 'cross this bridge when we get there,' in response to Independent Media's questions regarding Dladla's CAF A license. Consequently, Dladla will return to the role of assistant coach, playing an important role in integrating Ben Youssef into the head coach position.
The visitors (Durban City) frustrated the highly motivated home team for all 90 minutes, defending numerically and preventing clear chances. It was a masterclass in rigid organization, which became a hallmark of their debut season in the top division.
This tenacious display by the KwaZulu-Natal side was not well received by the 'Ghost,' who watched his team still win the Premiership trophy a few days later. Pirates now enter this MTN8 match with the determination to start a new season with the first step towards defending their title. In Soweto, where expectations are very high, the Buccaneers know that any result other than a convincing victory will be regarded as an extremely disappointing start.
On the other hand, Durban City has its own high aspirations. Already having experience of success in the Nedbank Cup playoffs, the KZN side firmly believes that another tactical surprise in Orlando could pave the way to winning even more trophies.
The giants from Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, continue their preseason tour of Spain, preparing for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. Both teams are utilizing European camps to improve physical fitness, integrate new players, and assess tactical combinations before the upcoming intense national season.
Kaizer Chiefs began their plan under Fernando Da Cruz, drawing 1-1 with Scottish giants Rangers in a closed friendly match on Sunday. Amakhosi initially took the lead, but Findlay Curtis equalized for Rangers. Both teams made significant changes to their squads, as the priority was improving playing form rather than the final result. Despite the late goal conceded, the performance showed promising signs for Da Cruz, who had the opportunity to assess his squad in match conditions after taking charge at Naturena.
The French coach inherited a team striving to regain its place among league contenders after another season of rebuilding. Now, Chiefs' focus is on the match against Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood on Wednesday, followed by a fixture against La Liga team Elche on Saturday to conclude the Spanish tour. Both scheduled matches are expected to be a more serious tactical test as Da Cruz continues to shape his preferred starting lineup before the start of the new season.
As for Orlando Pirates, the focus shifts to Marbella, southern Spain. Here, the league champions under Oaddu are set to begin a five-match preseason schedule against second-division Spanish side Córdoba on Wednesday. The Buccaneers will then play Cádiz, followed by matches against Saudi clubs Al-Ittihad and Neom, concluding the tour with a game against Las Palmas.
Unlike Chiefs, Pirates arrive in Spain with high expectations, having won the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout Cup last season. This tour also gives Oaddu a significant opportunity to restructure the team following the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The upcoming games will be particularly important for Pirates' new players, as they need to adapt to Oaddu's methods and fight for starting positions before defending their titles.
Chiefs hope that the remaining matches in Spain will accelerate Da Cruz's rebuilding project and provide more clarity regarding the squad capable of ending the club's long wait for sustained success. Although preseason results rarely determine future developments, both teams plan to return home with greater cohesion, improved physical condition, and clearer tactical concepts before competitive football resumes in early August.
The Orlando Pirates club has already undergone an active transfer window, bringing in many new players while simultaneously reducing the squad. Nevertheless, to successfully defend their significant trophy haul—including the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout Cup—and add new accolades next season, the 'Bucaneers' need reinforcement in their attacking line.
As the domestic football season begins in August, analysts have looked at five prolific forwards that Pirates might target to help the team succeed in the final third of the pitch.
Peter Shalulile is considered the epitome of a modern PSL striker, boasting an incredible tally of 130 goals. He reached this impressive milestone playing for only two South African clubs: Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns. Although he recently left 'Sundowns' due to limited playing time last season, he remains one of the league's most effective forwards. His ability to hold position, retain possession, intelligent runs, and lethal finishing make him an immediate asset for any title contender.
Cassius Mailula is currently on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. His career faced a major hurdle last season during a loan spell at Belgian club K.V. Kortrijk from MLS Toronto FC, where he lacked regular playing time. Now, as a free agent following a mutual contract termination with 'Toronto', Mailula is seeking a new challenge. Pirates could be the ideal destination, as the 'Bucaneers' would significantly benefit from his subtle bursts, sharp attacking build-up, smart passing, and flawless positioning that made him known in Chloorkop.
The stocky forward demonstrated a brilliant individual campaign at Golden Arrows, leading the team's attack by scoring 14 goals and winning the Betway Premiership Golden Boot. Dion's clinical finishing allowed him to surpass Iqraam Reiners of 'Mamelodi Sundowns' by two goals to secure this prestigious individual award. Dion mastered the role of a classic centre-forward, moving excellently into the right zones inside the penalty area, looking for danger, and attacking crosses or through balls—a deadly contribution that confidently secured 'Arrows' a spot in the top six.
At just 21 years old, Phili possesses enormous potential. He has already shown exceptional maturity and the ability to perform in crucial matches, becoming the top scorer for Stellenbosch FC, netting nine goals across all competitions last season. With proper support and exposure to a highly competitive arena like Pirates, this young player could truly flourish. He already possesses explosive speed, nimble feet, technical skill, and an innate understanding of how to find space in the final third.
Lucas Ribeiro officially returned to the market as a free agent after leaving Spanish club LaLiga 2 Cultural Leonesa. Although his previous contractual disputes in South Africa attracted attention, his on-field talent remains undeniable. Ribeiro is not a traditional number nine striker, but he excels when playing as a wide false nine. He is full of cunning, possesses great skill, and knows exactly when to use space or drop deeper to link up play. Having previously dominated the scoring charts in South Africa, a move to 'Si Ribbers' could provide momentum for both parties.
