Orlando Pirates are set to return to first-team training on Friday ahead of the resumption of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign.
Pirates secured the first domestic title of the new season when they scooped the MTN8 prize in the final against AmaZulu, beating them 1-0, but their highlight of the season thus far would undoubtedly be the 3-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final.
Masandawana, the treble champions last season, have become the yardstick of success over the last decade in South African football, but there’s been real optimism surronding the Buccaneers since tha appointment of Jose Riveiro.
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iDiski Times understands the first-team will convene for the ‘second pre-season’ on Friday morning where another fitness assessment will be made and some internal friendly fixtures behind closed doors will take place.
Their Spanish tactician has made no secret of his desire to spend more time with his squad to refine their tactical understanding of his preferred 3-4-2-1 system and he’s likely to be afforded just that.
Saleng, with two goals, has been their top scorer in the league – and while Rivieiro has underplayed not having an out-and-out goalscorer, his fondness of Evidence Makgopa will likely see him play a starring role, should he remain fit for the remainder of the season.
