Orlando Pirates Begin 2025/26 Season Preparations with Spanish Training Camp
Orlando Pirates have commenced their preparations for the 2025/26 season with a training camp in Spain, marking their third consecutive preseason tour in the country. The team arrived at Málaga International Airport on Thursday and will be based in Marbella for the next two weeks, focusing on team building and integrating new players.
Building for a Demanding Season
The Buccaneers, now under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, are prioritizing cohesion and preparation for what is expected to be a challenging campaign. The 12-day camp is designed to lay a solid foundation for success, particularly given the team’s demanding schedule last season.
A senior official stated, “We’ve just arrived in Spain after a long flight. Today is about recovery, but from tomorrow it’s all systems go. The upcoming season will be tough, so our preparation must cover all possible scenarios.” The team played 52 matches last season, highlighting the need for a robust preseason regimen to manage player workload.
Integrating New Talent
A key objective of the Marbella camp is to seamlessly integrate a new cohort of players into the existing squad. According to a team spokesperson, “We have a new crop of players that we need to integrate into the group as quickly as possible.” The technical team has assembled a 32-man squad for this intensive training period.
Preseason Fixture List
The Pirates will test their readiness with a series of high-intensity friendly matches. Their schedule includes:
- July 11: vs. Bolton Wanderers (England)
- July 13: vs. Pafos FC (Cyprus) – the newly crowned Cypriot champions
- July 17: vs. Las Palmas (Spain) – a La Liga outfit
- July 19: vs. Granada (Spain)
Fans are encouraged to follow the Buccaneers’ official social media channels for exclusive content, match updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the tour.
The Spanish preseason tour represents a crucial step in Orlando Pirates’ journey toward the 2025/26 season, emphasizing a commitment to thorough preparation and team development.
