Jose Riveiro’s side will return to Spain for a major test against the La Liga side
Orlando Pirates are set for a clash against La Liga side Sevilla following confirmation that the Buccaneers will tour Spain for pre-season.
The Soweto giants will face the seven-time Europa League champions on July 15 at the Jesus Navas Stadium in what will be part of their build-up ahead of the new PSL campaign.
The Spanish side confirmed the development on Thursday, when they revealed their pre-season plans, with Pirates being the first team they will face followed by a clash against Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon on July 23 before ending with a match against Saudi side Al-Ittihad three days later.
The Buccaneers will face Sevilla behind closed doors
“First up is the South African side Orlando Pirates, who will visit the Jesus Navas Stadium for a behind closed doors fixture on Wednesday 15 July,” Sevilla stated on their website.
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.
Jose Riveiro’s men 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 Sevilla present a different kind of challenge.
Pirates’ Spanish coach is having an influence on pre-season
Sevilla did not have a fruitful 2023-24 campaign as they spent large parts of it fighting relegation before escaping in the final weeks to finish 14th on the table.
Pirates’ entire pre-season plans have not been revealed yet but it seems Spanish coach Riveiro is having an influence on where they prepare from.
The Bucs managed a second-place finish in the PSL and also retained their MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles but the fans will be hoping for a title challenge in the league next season.
