Pirates to face UEFA Champions League-bound opponents in pre-season

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Orlando Pirates have secured another high-profile friendly for their Spanish pre-season tour, confirming they will go head-to-head with Cypriot First Division champions Pafos FC on July 13th. 

This clash marks their second confirmed warm-up match in Spain, setting the stage for their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. 

The news comes shortly after English League One side Bolton Wanderers also announced they would be facing the Buccaneers in a friendly during their time in Spain.

The choice of Pafos FC as an opponent is particularly noteworthy given their recent accomplishments. The Cypriot club, which recently confirmed their fixture list at the Estepona Football Center, brings significant European experience to the friendly. 

Last season, Pafos FC competed in the UEFA Conference League, demonstrating their presence on the continental stage.

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Their most recent triumph saw them crowned Cypriot First Division winners, a victory that has propelled them into next season’s UEFA Champions League qualifiers. 

This follows their success in lifting the Cypriot Cup the season before. Playing against a team with such a strong European pedigree will undoubtedly provide Orlando Pirates with invaluable preparation and a robust test as they fine-tune their squad for the challenges ahead.

SECOND PRE-SEASON CAMP IN A ROW FOR PIRATES IN SPAIN

The Sea Robbers will conduct their pre-season in Spain for the second year in a row, a strategic decision first implemented during the time of former Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who has since left the club. 

This choice signals a continued belief in Spain as an ideal location for their preparations. It allows the team to access top-tier training grounds and potentially engage with strong European opposition, laying a robust groundwork for the upcoming season. 

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.