The Buccaneers have lined up exciting friendly matches in Europe next month
Orlando Pirates have finally confirmed their pre-season tour of Spain which will see them play three friendly matches in July.
Pirates will return to Spain for a second successive year in the off-season with matches lined up against La Liga side Sevilla, English club Plymouth Argyle and Qatari giants Al Sadd.
The Soweto giants will face seven-time Europa League champions Sevilla on July 15 at the Jesus Navas Stadium as Quique Sanchez Flores’ team looks for a fruitful 2024-25 campaign after a less than impressive 14th place on the table last season.
Pirates will face a test from Wayne Rooney’s team
Pirates’ meeting with Sevilla will come three days after Jose Riveiro’s men have faced off with English Championship side Plymouth Argyle currently managed by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
The Pilgrims are also looking for a change in fortunes under the former Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City boss and should provide a good test for Pirates during the July 12 meeting.
Pirates will then clash with Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd on July 19 in a major test from the Asian giants who reclaimed the league title after losing it to Al Duhail in 2022-23.
The Bucs had a fruitful outing in Spain last year
It will be a second straight year in which the Sea Robbers will be visiting Spain for pre-season following last year’s tour that saw them take on Maccabi, Independiente and Las Palmas.
The Buccaneers held their own in the three matches, beating Maccabi 1-0, before overcoming Independiente 3-1, and completed with a goalless draw against Las Palmas.
They will be hoping for another good outing this year although all three teams present different kinds of challenges.
Pirates managed a second-place finish in the PSL and also retained their MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles but fans are hoping for a title challenge in the league next season.
