Orlando Pirates Set Sights on Pre-Season Tour Amid Coaching Silence
Orlando Pirates are forging ahead with preparations for the 2025/26 season, despite the continued silence surrounding the appointment of a new head coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro. The Soweto giants are wasting no time as they prepare for a pre-season camp in Spain, with a focus on squad fine-tuning and tactical cohesion ahead of the new campaign.
The Buccaneers are expected to leave for Marbella in early July, where a well-structured training programme and international friendlies await. While there’s been no official word from the club regarding coaching or technical staff updates, reliable sources suggest that key decisions have already been made.
“Work is being done behind the scenes, and you can expect announcements any time from now,” a source close to the club revealed.
Adding fuel to the anticipation are two confirmed pre-season friendlies that will form part of the Spanish camp. On July 11, Pirates will square off against English outfit Bolton Wanderers, followed by a clash with Cypriot champions Pafos FC on July 13. Both matches will take place at the Marbella Football Centre.
The fixture against Pafos is set to be a real test for the Buccaneers. The Cypriot side recently clinched their first-ever First Division title, edging out Mihlali Mayambela’s Aris Limassol and earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Facing a team on such a high will offer the Pirates a chance to test their mettle against continental-quality opposition.
The trip to Spain, while traditionally used for physical and tactical sharpening, may also serve as a stage to assess new faces in the squad—should any signings be announced before the tour begins. For now, the club has kept any transfer activity or backroom changes under wraps.
Though questions remain about the technical direction of the team, what’s clear is that the planning for next season is well underway. With the team stepping up preparations and international friendlies locked in, the tour could provide a glimpse into the next evolution of Ezimnyama Ngenkani.
Confirmed Friendly Fixtures – Marbella, Spain
11 July: Orlando Pirates vs Bolton Wanderers
13 July: Orlando Pirates vs Pafos FC
