Orlando Pirates suffered a dispiriting second loss of their Spanish camp on Friday, going down to the Saudi Pro League side at the Marbella Football Centre on Friday in their final pre-season encounter before they fly back to South Africa to defend their PSL title.
Recently revealed comments from the Bucs camp have offered fresh insight into the Director of Football's reaction to a Durban City player's remark. The club official used the incident to voice his frustration with the technical staff, suggesting the comments reflected a lack of authority on the pitch.
GOAL brings you all the available details on the pre-season friendly between the Buccaneers and the Falcons at the Estepona Football Centre, Spain. This will be the Soweto club's fifth and final match of their Spanish camp and should see Abdeslam Ouaddou field a side close to the XI that will compete in their first league match of the season against newly promoted Milford FC on August 1.
The Moroccan tactician has hailed his side’s resilience and tactical maturity following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against La Liga outfit, Canarias. A late strike from Boitumelo Radiopane proved the difference in a match that provided the Buccaneers with a much-needed morale boost during their intense pre-season training camp in Spain.
Bafana Bafana forward is currently surveying his options after officially becoming a free agent following the conclusion of his spell with Orlando Pirates. The prolific marksman has been heavily linked with a move to Egypt to join forces with his former mentor.
Former Bafana Bafana star has officially taken the reins at the Ghanaian giants, sending a clear message to the rest of African football that the Porcupine Warriors are ready to reclaim their throne. After a disappointing eighth-place finish last term, the South African tactician is determined to ensure the Kumasi-based club is no longer spoken of in the past tense.
The Glamour Boys have bolstered their midfield options with the landmark signing of the 27-year-old, making him the first Tanzanian player to join the Soweto giants. The deep-lying midfielder arrives at Naturena with a reputation for tireless work rates and high levels of commitment.
A former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker has shared his insight into the meteoric rise of the midfield sensation, insisting that coaching philosophy is the deciding factor for elite talent. Now embarking on a managerial path himself, Mahlatse Makudubela highlighted why the youngster's specific profile requires a unique touch from the technical bench.
Former Buccaneers winger Innocent Chikoya has thrown his weight behind the club’s recent recruitment drive, suggesting they are finally ready to challenge the Brazilians' dominance. Following a successful season that yielded three domestic trophies, the Soweto giants have remained aggressive in the market to bolster their squad for continental competition.
These two sides had met in pre-season friendlies in 2023 and 2025, both of which ended in 0-0 draws. But finally, in 2026 after a further 85 minutes of stalemate, Boitumelo Radiopane got in behind the Spanish club's backline and finished smartly to give Pirates a goal and the win on the day.
The former Bucs shot-stopper has weighed in on the debate for the Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Season award. With the PSL Awards for the 2025/26 campaign delayed due to the FIFA World Cup, anticipation is building over who will walk away with the individual honours at the awards show on Monday July 27.
The Amakhosi playmaker believes the upcoming Toyota Cup fixture will serve as the ultimate barometer for the squad's adaptation to the coach’s tactical blueprint. Following a rigorous pre-season tour in Spain, the Soweto giants are looking to demonstrate that they have fully grasped the French tactician’s new philosophy.
The Buccaneers tactician has expressed clear concerns regarding his side’s recent performances at the back. Despite showing promise in transition and possession during their European tour, the Betway Premiership reigning champions have struggled to keep clean sheets against high-calibre opposition.
GOAL brings you all the available details on the pre-season friendly between the Buccaneers and the Yellows at the Marbella Football Centre, Spain. This will be the Soweto club's fourth match of their Spanish camp and comes just 24 hours after Abdeslam Ouaddou's men lost 3-2 to Al Ittihad on Tuesday evening.
The Buccaneers suffered their first loss of the 2026 pre-season tour after going down 3-2 to The Tigers at the Banus Football Centre in Marbella. They will have to regroup quickly as they have another match against Spanish club Las Palmas just 24 hours after the final whistle against the Saudi giants.
The Bafana Bafana legend has offered the ex-Orlando Pirates star some timely advice following his move to Belgium. Reflecting on his own experience in the Belgian league, the former national team captain cautioned the 21-year-old that talent alone will not guarantee success and explained what the Rele must do to ensure a smooth transition.
GOAL brings you all the available details on the pre-season friendly between The Tigers and the Buccaneers at the Banus Football Centre, Spain. This will be the Soweto club's third match of their Spanish camp and Abdeslam Ouaddou will be keen to get more minutes into his squad's legs and test the match readiness of his new recruits.
The South African football legend has broken his silence on the upcoming SAFA presidential elections, providing a candid assessment of the battle between the incumbent and the challenger. The iconic former Bafana Bafana coach offered his unique perspective on the leadership race while making his own intentions for the future clear.
The former Glamour Boys star has urged Amakhosi faithful to remain patient following a relatively quiet transfer window under the new head coach. While several Premier Soccer League clubs continue to strengthen their squads with new signings, the ex-winger believes the technical team must be afforded the necessary time to assess the current crop before making drastic changes.
Fresh from making the move to Young Africans from the Premier Soccer League, the 55-year-old has raised concerns over the growing trend of Mzansi coaches seeking opportunities abroad. While the switch to the Tanzanian giants marks an exciting new chapter in his career, he believes the local league risks losing valuable local expertise if more of the country's top tacticians continue to leave.
The Buccaneers head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed huge confidence in his side's preparations as they look to retain their Betway Premiership title. The Soweto giants are currently intensifying their training regime in Spain, with the former Morocco international pleased with the tactical and fitness evolution of his squad.
Augusto Palacios has sent a clear message to the rest of the Betway Premiership, insisting that the Buccaneers youth development model is the blueprint for future success. The veteran coach believes that the Sea Robbers' ability to transition talent from the DStv Diski Challenge to the first team and onto the global stage is a standard every South African club should strive to emulate.
The Soweto giants are entering a pivotal era under new head coach Fernando da Cruz, but a club legend has warned that the current squad is still missing the essential ingredients for success. With Amakhosi desperate to return to their glory days, the pressure is mounting at Naturena to secure the right talent before the window slams shut.
Bucs legend has raised eyebrows by admitting he is 'not convinced' by the club’s recent recruitment drive under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. As the Buccaneers prepare to defend multiple domestic trophies and tackle the CAF Champions League, the former midfielder has delivered a stern challenge to the new arrivals at Mayfair.
Orlando Pirates
