Pirates Begin Pre-Season In Spain With Cordoba
Orlando Pirates will begin their 2026/27 pre-season campaign on Wednesday evening when they take on Spanish Segunda División side Córdoba CF at the Marbella Football Centre, marking the Buccaneers’ first friendly of their latest training tour in Spain.
The Soweto giants returned to Spain over the weekend as preparations intensify for another demanding season under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The match against Córdoba will provide the technical team with an early opportunity to assess the squad’s fitness, tactical progress and the integration of several new signings ahead of the new campaign.
Pirates’ pre-season tours to Spain have become a key part of the club’s preparations since 2022, following the appointment of former head coach José Riveiro. Since introducing the annual training camp on the Spanish coast, the Buccaneers have enjoyed sustained success, winning at least one major trophy in each season after completing their pre-season programme in Spain.
Last season was their most successful yet, with Ouaddou guiding Pirates to a historic domestic treble by winning the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout. The club will be hoping another intensive pre-season in Spain lays the foundation for further success in the 2026/27 campaign.
Pirates will face five opponents during their stay in Spain, with Córdoba providing the first test of the tour.
Kick-off for Wednesday’s encounter is scheduled for 19:00, with the match set to be streamed live on Pirates TV via YouTube.
