Orlando Pirates begin their pre-season campaign in Spain on Wednesday evening when they face Spanish Segunda División side Córdoba CF at the Marbella Football Centre.
The encounter marks the Buccaneers’ first on-field outing under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as preparations gather pace ahead of what promises to be another demanding domestic and continental campaign.
Having arrived in Spain over the weekend, Pirates have returned to Málaga for a fourth successive pre-season camp, where they will face five opponents during their stay as they fine-tune their preparations for the 2026/27 season.
READ | Orlando Pirates vs Cordoba FC: Date, kick-off time, how to watch, predicted line-up
Fresh faces set for first outing
Wednesday’s clash offers Orlando Pirates supporters an early look at several new signings and emerging academy stars.
New arrivals Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo and Mthetheleli Mthiyane are all expected to feature, while DStv Diski Challenge-winning youngsters Cristian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela and Mpho Padime have earned first-team call-ups after impressing with the club’s reserve side.
The mix of experienced campaigners, new recruits and exciting young talent gives Ouaddou an opportunity to begin shaping his preferred combinations ahead of a season in which Orlando Pirates will challenge for silverware on multiple fronts, including the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions and the CAF Champions League.
Spanish opposition targeting promotion
Orlando Pirates’ first opponents are a Córdoba side hoping to secure promotion to La Liga for the first time since their brief top-flight return in 2014/15.
Founded in 1954, the Andalusian club enjoyed its most successful period during the 1960s before enduring decades outside Spain’s top division.
After dropping as low as the fourth tier in 2021, Córdoba have steadily climbed back to the Segunda División under head coach Iván Ania, whose high-intensity, possession-based style has transformed the club into promotion contenders.
The Spanish side narrowly missed the promotion play-offs last season and has strengthened its squad ahead of the new campaign with the arrivals of Dani Tasende from Real Zaragoza and Egoitz Muñoz on loan from Alavés.
However, Córdoba have also lost prolific striker Adrián Fuentes, who has joined Mallorca, while veteran forward Sergi Guardiola has retired.
How to watch
The pre-season friendly kicks off at 19:00 (SA time) on Wednesday and will be streamed live on Pirates TV on YouTube.