From Soweto to Spain: Orlando Pirates Arrive in Malaga Ahead of Preseason Tour

• Orlando Pirates will contest 3 fixtures in Spain as part of their pre-season preparation for the 2023/24 season
• The Buccaneers have arrived in Spain ahead of their first friendly game against Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv
• Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa is eager for the club to test themselves against teams competing abroad

Orlando Pirates are ready to get their Spanish adventure underway.

The South African side have touched down in Spain ahead of their pre-season tour and have already begun training for their first friendly.

As noted by Soccer Laduma, Pirates will take on Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in their first friendly on July 13. Two days later, they will face Independiente del Valle from Ecuador and round off their tour with a game against La Liga side UD Las Palmas.

Videos of the side touching down in the country and getting ready for their encounter have since surfaced.

Moussa Djenepo Storms Southampton's First Day of Pre Season in Stunning African Wear

Football

After landing in Spain, players, Katlego Otladisa and Sandile Mthethwa also opened up about the experience.

Otladisa, who recently joined the Soweto side, described it as overwhelming, getting to know everyone and gelling with the team. He added that everyone warmly welcomed him and that he was looking forward to the next few days.

Mthethwa, a defender for the Buccaneers, added that it was a great way to see if the club were on the same level as overseas opponents.

“I think it’s a really good thing for us; a really good opportunity to face other teams that play on a certain level,” he said.

The Sea Robbers aren’t the only South African side looking to test themselves against European opposition.

As noted by Goal, Sundowns will play six-time Eredivisie champions Sparta Rotterdam on July 25 and then turn their attention to another Dutch side, NAC Breda.

9 players who could leave Sevilla as Europa League winner reportedly battles huge debt

Football

Pirates announce Spanish pre-season tour

Orlando Pirates will head off to Spain for their pre-season preparations, Sports Brief also reported.

The Buccaneers will take on Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv, then Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle.

The tour will be capped off against UD Las Palmas, a team promoted to La Liga at the end of last term.