Orlando Pirates recently returned from a pre-season camp in Spain. Afrik-Foot looks at ten key takeaways from the tour.
The Buccaneers faced off against Plymouth Argyle, Sevilla, Granada, and Al-Sadd during their stint.
WHAT ARE 10 THINGS WE LEARNT FROM PIRATES CAMP IN SPAIN
1 – Midfield to give Riveiro pleasant selection headache
Pirates’ impressive midfield depth is likely to pose a selection headache for coach Jose Riveiro.
The Spanish tactician has a wealth of options, including Miguel Timm, Makhehlene Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha, Siphelo Baloyi, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo for the defensive midfield role.
In the attacking midfield department, Salaelo Rasebotja,Patrick Maswanganyi, Karim Kimvuidi, and Kabelo Dlamini provide Riveiro with several choices.
2 – New young goalie addition to the goalkeeping department
Few were aware of the emerging talent, Bayanda Zulu. The 19-year-old caught the eye during the Pirates Cup while playing for KwaZulu-Natal outfit Midlands Wanderers. The youngster was given game time in the match against Al-Sadd.
3 – Lepasa still not Jose Riveiro’s favourite
Zakhele Lepasa was part of the traveling squad but did not play a single minute in any of the four matches. It clear the Spanish coach still prefers Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa.
4 – Mbatha easing the burden for Timm and Makhaula in midfield
Thalente Mbatha, who has signed a permanent deal with the Soweto giants, provides much-needed relief for both Makhaula and Miguel Timm in midfield.
A box-to-box player with strong defensive instincts, Mbatha's presence allowed Timm to push forward and even score against Sevilla, with former SuperSport United man offering defensive cover.
5 – Dlamini and Mabasa continuing where he left off
The duo concluded the previous campaign on a high and seem to be carrying that momentum into the new season.Dlamini scored against Sevilla, while Mabasa netted a brace against Al-Sadd.
6 – Academy graduates Nkota and Dladla in coach’s plans for new season
Two academy graduates, Mohau Nkota and Siyabonga Dladla, appear to be part of the coach's plans. They were given the opportunity to join the team in camp and earned minutes in some of the friendly matches.
7 – More options upfront with academy product after Radiopane return
Boitumelo Radiopane's return from a loan spell at Cape Town Spurs bolsters Riveiro's attacking options. However, similar to Lepasa, Radiopane did not feature in any of the four matches.
8 – Saleng no longer the main man
Monnapule Saleng, who soared to prominence in the 2022/23 season, experienced a dip in form last year, resulting in a loss of his starting position. His status as a key player for Riveiro has diminished.
9 – Chaine remains first choice between the posts
While Melusi Buthelezi and Zulu were given game time, Sipho Chaine remains the first-choice goalkeeper.
Despite rumours linking Nwabali to Pirates, the club seems content with its current goalkeeping options.
10 – Return of Mthethwa despite exit rumours
Sandile Mthethwa, who struggled for playing time last season, was heavily linked with a departure, with the club reportedly considering a loan move.
However, his active participation in the pre-season camp, including appearances in friendly matches, suggests the coach is willing to give him a chance this season.
