Boitumelo Radiopane Scores Again as Orlando Pirates Beat Las Palmas 1-0 in Spain

Orlando Pirates continued their encouraging pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spanish side Las Palmas at the Marbella Football Center on 21 July 2026. The Soweto giants produced another disciplined display during their training camp in Spain, with striker Boitumelo Radiopane once again making the difference. His late goal secured the win and highlighted his impressive form during the club’s pre-season tour. The match also gave head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou another valuable opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign. With several new signings and young players featuring prominently, the victory offered plenty of positives as Pirates edge closer to the start of the season.

Following their previous friendly against Al-Ittihad, Ouaddou made sweeping changes to his starting eleven, giving many players a chance to impress. New recruits Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Matome Mmolai, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Sbangani Zulu were all handed starting roles as the coach rotated his squad. Young midfielder Camren Dansin was trusted with the captain’s armband, underlining the club’s confidence in its emerging talent. The fresh lineup reflected Orlando Pirates’ commitment to building squad depth while allowing every player to stake a claim for a regular place. These pre-season fixtures are proving essential for developing chemistry between experienced players and new arrivals before competitive football begins.

Las Palmas entered the match playing their first friendly at the Marbella Football Center and looked comfortable during the opening exchanges. The Spanish side controlled possession for much of the early stages and moved the ball confidently across the pitch. Despite enjoying more of the ball, they struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a well-organized Pirates defense. Orlando Pirates remained patient, staying compact without allowing their opponents many clear openings. As the first half progressed, the Buccaneers settled into the contest and began creating chances of their own.

Pirates came close to taking the lead about ten minutes before halftime through captain Camren Dansin. Mpho Padime produced an excellent pass to send the midfielder through on goal, giving him a clear opportunity to score. Dansin’s effort, however, was brilliantly stopped by the Las Palmas goalkeeper, who kept the scores level with a crucial save. It was one of the best attacking moves of the first half and showed the growing confidence of the South African side. Although the teams went into the break without a goal, Pirates had shown enough signs that they could eventually find a breakthrough.

The second half followed a similar pattern initially, with Orlando Pirates remaining patient while looking for opportunities to attack. Coach Ouaddou introduced fresh legs for the final half hour, bringing on Boitumelo Radiopane, Mariko, Masilela, Thapelo Xoki and Derbyshire. The substitutions added new energy and increased Pirates’ attacking threat as they searched for a winning goal. Shortly after the changes, Msendami burst through the Las Palmas defense and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Unfortunately for the Zimbabwean international, his attempted lob drifted over the crossbar, leaving another excellent chance unconverted.

Pirates continued to press forward despite missing that opportunity, and their persistence was finally rewarded in the closing minutes. With just five minutes remaining, Boitumelo Radiopane timed his run perfectly to latch onto a ball played over the top of the defense. Spotting the goalkeeper well off his line, the young striker displayed outstanding composure by sending a precise finish into the back of the net from distance. It was Radiopane’s second goal of the pre-season tour, further strengthening his case for increased involvement during the upcoming campaign. His calm finish demonstrated not only confidence but also the clinical edge every team hopes to develop before the competitive season begins.

Radiopane’s performances throughout the tour will undoubtedly encourage both the coaching staff and Orlando Pirates supporters. The talented forward has consistently taken his opportunities and appears determined to establish himself as an important attacking option. His ability to remain composed in decisive moments could prove valuable when the club begins competing in domestic and continental competitions. At the same time, the match provided valuable experience for several younger players and recent signings who are still adapting to the team’s playing style. Every minute on the pitch during pre-season contributes to building confidence and improving tactical understanding within the squad.

The victory over Las Palmas gives Orlando Pirates additional momentum as they prepare for their final pre-season fixture in Spain. Their next challenge will come against Noem FC on 24 July, providing another opportunity to fine-tune tactics and continue building match fitness. While results during pre-season are not the ultimate priority, winning matches helps create confidence and reinforces the team’s hard work on the training ground. Boitumelo Radiopane’s match-winning goal served as another reminder of his growing potential and his importance to the squad’s attacking ambitions. If Orlando Pirates continue to improve with each outing, supporters will have every reason to be optimistic as the new season approaches.