Soweto to Spain: What Orlando Pirates’ European pre-season tour taught us about the road ahead

Abdeslam Ouaddou stepped into the technical area as the new commander of the Pirates’ ship. While his arrival came with little fanfare outside of football’s inner circles, what became clear in Spain was the clarity of his vision.

Across four matches, Pirates steadily transformed from a group finding its rhythm to a side executing a clearly defined playing philosophy.

Ouaddou’s approach leans toward balance: pressing with intent, moving the ball vertically and operating in tight, purposeful patterns. The players were asked to stretch themselves, mentally and physically, and by the end of the tour, they looked fitter, sharper, and more synchronized in both build-up and defensive shape.

It wasn’t perfect. There were phases of disjointed play, especially in the first two matches, where the Pirates struggled with tempo and accuracy. But the steady improvement from game to game painted a picture of a squad absorbing complex instructions and beginning to thrive under a new regime.

Every so often, a player emerges who not only excites fans but also attracts eyes from far beyond the domestic scene. Relebohile Mofokeng was already earmarked for greatness last season, but his performances on Spanish soil only confirmed what many already suspected: he's on the cusp of something bigger.

Throughout the tour, Mofokeng was a livewire. Whether deployed wide or drifting into more central spaces, his intelligence on the ball, close control and ability to unlock defences set him apart. He was a constant creative threat in every game, drawing fouls, linking up beautifully with teammates, and growing more confident in the final third. His goal against Granada, coolly slotted home in the 90th minute, was a deserved reward for his persistence and sharpness.

Yet, as Mofokeng’s stock rises, so does the external interest. Reports have begun to swirl about potential suitors keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, eager to lure him away from Mayfair before he truly explodes. For Pirates, this presents both a challenge and a compliment. On the one hand, it validates their development model. On the other hand, it threatens to cut short the Mofokeng era just as it’s beginning to peak.

Whatever happens off the pitch, one thing is certain: if he stays, Mofokeng could be the talisman Pirates build their entire attacking identity around. If he goes, replacing his creativity and swagger won’t be easy.

If Spain was a test of character, Mbekezeli Mbokazi passed with distinction, not just through his performances, but through the trust shown in him by the new technical team.

Mbokazi showcased far more than just positional discipline and overlapping runs. He played with a maturity that belied his age, often driving the team forward with purpose and energy. But what truly stood out was the intangible: leadership.

In a surprising yet telling decision, coach Ouaddou handed Mbokazi the captain’s armband, a clear sign of the belief he has in the young defender. It was a symbolic moment, but also one grounded in performance. Mbokazi led by example, marshalling with confidence, communicating constantly and showing a hunger to push the tempo when the team needed urgency.

Ouaddou’s admiration for the youngster seems rooted in more than just technical ability. Mbokazi plays with heart, discipline and an eagerness to learn; qualities that make him not just a player to watch, but potentially a cornerstone of this new Pirates era. With a full season ahead, his evolution could be one of the most compelling stories to follow.

While others dazzled on the wings or sparked with flair up front, Cemran Dansin offered a different kind of value: consistency, control and calmness.

Dansin impressed with his clean touches, smart positioning and intelligent distribution. He’s not the type to play Hollywood passes, but his ability to link defence and attack with minimal fuss was vital.

He represents the kind of depth a serious team needs - someone who can keep the tempo ticking, break up opposition rhythm and maintain composure when games become messy. Spain showed that Dansin may be the understated backbone of Pirates’ midfield rotation.

The Spanish tour wasn’t only about winning, it was about building belief. And in that sense, it was mission accomplished.

Pirates return home as a team that has started to carve out its next chapter. With a fresh tactical framework, young players stepping up, and experienced heads buying into the project, the 2025-26 season holds real intrigue.

The Buccaneers may still be a work in progress, but if their Spanish rehearsal is anything to go by, they’ll be ready for the main stage soon enough. The road to silverware starts here, with sand in their boots, hunger in their hearts and a quiet storm brewing in Soweto.

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