UD LAS Palmas head coach Luis Garcia praised Orlando Pirates after their goalless draw on Thursday night at the Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas in Marbella, Spain.
Garcia, a former winger for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, had some nice words for Orlando Pirates after the match.
He mentioned, “It was a good test for us to keep improving and get fit for the championship (Spanish 2nd Division). Orlando Pirates are a very physical team, showing good rhythm, strong individual skills, and effective football.”
He also added, “Pirates are one of the top teams in South Africa. It was a great match because of their physical style. Playing against them is helpful for us, especially in our first week of training and having our first friendly match.”
SINOXOLO Kwayiba is one of the new Orlando Pirats signings on a mission to impress in the Preseason Tour of Spain. | OrlandoPirates
Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his team struggled to handle the high-pressing game from the Spaniards.
“Today’s game was not easy,” Ouaddou said. “We can say we were chasing the ball; we played against the most pressing team. So, it’s a positive takeaway even if we didn’t have much of the ball.”
He mentioned, “I found a strong team spirit, and we’re going to need that as the season goes on, especially when we’re playing away in the Champions League. We need to focus on the positives.”
Pirates kicked off their pre-season tour with a 2-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers from England, followed by a 1-1 draw against Cypriot club Pafos earlier this week.
This pre-season tour is all about gearing up for the upcoming league campaign. Pirates are eager to shake off their bridesmaid title from the past three seasons.
Their recent signings show they’re serious about challenging Mamelodi Sundowns, who have been the top dogs in the Premiership for the last eight seasons.
As Sundowns prepare for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, boosted by their FIFA Club World Cup experience, Pirates are looking to take the crown from them.
Ouaddou’s first challenge is to defend the MTN8 title- the cup that has served as the Buccaneers’ springboard for a fruitfull season for the past three years, under former head coach Jose Riveiro.
Ouaddou’s first official match incharge will be against unpredictable Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on August 2.
As the result of Riveiro’s Pirates’ owning of the MTN8 title, nothing less will be expected by The Ghost this season.
Winning the MTN8 or at least going as far as the final, would go a long way for Ouaddou into not only endearing himself to passionate Pirates’ supporters but also gaining himself recognition and respect in South African football.
Pirates continue their Preseason Spain Tour with a match against Granada in Marbella Football Center on Saturday night.
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