South African giants Orlando Pirates kick off pre-season camp in Spain

South African Premiership champions Orlando Pirates officially began preparations for the 2026/27 season after holding their first training session at their pre-season camp in Marbella, Spain, on Monday.

The Buccaneers have once again chosen the Spanish coastal city as the base for their pre-season programme, continuing a tradition that has now stretched over the past four years. The annual training camp has become a key part of the club’s preparations, providing players and coaching staff with the ideal environment to build fitness, sharpen tactics and strengthen squad cohesion ahead of the new campaign.

Under the warm Spanish sunshine, the players were put through their paces during an intense opening session as they embarked on another crucial phase of preparations before returning home for the start of the domestic season.

The pre-season camp is expected to include rigorous training sessions and friendly matches aimed at ensuring the squad reaches peak physical condition while allowing the technical team to integrate new signings and assess tactical combinations.

Pirates head into the new season carrying high expectations after enjoying one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s recent history.

The Soweto giants completed a remarkable domestic treble last season, lifting the Betway Premiership title alongside the MTN8 and Carling Cup trophies to reaffirm their status as one of South Africa’s dominant forces.

Having ended the previous campaign on such a high, the Buccaneers will now be eager to maintain their winning momentum and defend their league crown while also challenging for further domestic and continental honours.

With another demanding season on the horizon, the Marbella training camp is expected to play a vital role in laying the foundation for Pirates’ ambitions. The coaching staff will use the opportunity to fine-tune the team’s playing style, improve match fitness and ensure the players are fully prepared for the challenges that await.

As preparations continue in Spain, Orlando Pirates supporters will be hoping the hard work during pre-season translates into another memorable campaign filled with silverware and success.