Orlando Pirates continue their European pre-season tour with a clash against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad. The game will be at the Marbella Football Center on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.
The fixture will be the Buccaneers’ third of five pre-season friendlies after a 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF and a 2-1 comeback victory over Cádiz CF.The clash should give a clearer indication of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s preferred starting line-up ahead of the new Betway Premiership season
ABDESLAM OUADDOU SET TO NAME STRONGER XI
Ouaddou is expected to recall several players who started the opening friendly against Córdoba CF before beginning on the bench against Cádiz CF. The coach is also gradually reintroducing players who joined the squad late after Bafana Bafana’s extended break.
The expected Orlando Pirates starting XI is:
Goalkeeper: Siyabonga Dladla
Defenders: Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba
Midfielders: Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Abdoulaye Mariko, Patrick Maswanganyi
Forwards: Bohlali Ngwato, Mpho Padime, Evidence Makgopa.
ORLANDO PIRATES FACE TOUGH TEST
The clash against Al-Ittihad is expected to be Orlando Pirates’ toughest challenge of the pre-season. The Saudi club boasts strong quality and will provide another demanding examination of Ouaddou’s tactical approach and squad depth.
With the Betway Premiership opener against Kruger United fast approaching, the Buccaneers are beginning to shift their focus from experimentation to building chemistry among what is expected to be their strongest team.
A positive performance against Al-Ittihad would provide another confidence boost as Orlando Pirates continue fine-tuning their preparations for the new campaign.
ALL SEVEN NEW SIGNINGS AT ORLANDO PIRATES
- Mthetheleli Mthiyane – Midfielder signed from Stellenbosch FC
- Neo Rapoo – Left wing-back signed from Siwelele FC
- Matome Mmolai – Midfielder signed from Leicesterford City
- Ghampani Lungu – Striker signed from Siwelele FC
- Bohlale Ngwato – Winger signed from Siwelele FC
- Sbangani Zulu – Central defender signed from Richards Bay
- Aphiwe Baliti – Left wing-back signed from Siwelele FC, before immediately returning on loan for the 2026/27 season.
