Orlando Pirates begin their pre-season campaign in Spain on Wednesday evening when they take on Spanish Segunda División side Cordoba at the Marbella Football Centre.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side arrived in Spain over the weekend and will use the clash as the first step in preparations for the 2026/27 season after an impressive campaign that saw the Buccaneers lift the Betway Premiership title and MTN8 trophy.
Their opening opponents are a Córdoba side based close to Pirates’ training base in Marbella.
The Spanish club will also be eager to make a strong start to their preparations as they continue their pursuit of promotion to La Liga, having last featured in Spain’s top flight 11 years ago.
What time is Orlando Pirates vs Cordoba?
The friendly kicks off at 19:00 (SAST) on Wednesday and will be streamed live on Pirates TV via YouTube.
Supporters can also expect to get their first look at several new faces in Pirates colours. New signings Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo and Mthetheleli Mthiyane are all in contention to make their unofficial debuts.
The Buccaneers have also included three promising academy graduates in the travelling squad. Cristian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela and Mpho Padime earned first-team call-ups after helping the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side win the league title and are expected to feature during the pre-season tour.
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Cordoba
Sipho Chaine; Deano van Rooyen, Mpho Chabatsane, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba; Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Camren Dansin; Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Kamohelo Sebelebele; Yanela Mbuthuma.
