Orlando Pirates 2-3 Al Ittihad: Five key talking points as Buccaneers test depth in Spain

Orlando Pirates’ narrow 3-2 defeat to Al Ittihad in Spain has thrown up crucial selection questions for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with the pre-season clash exposing both promise and concern ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.

The match, their sternest pre-season examination so far, has sharpened focus on how Pirates will cope without departed playmaker Relebohile Mofokeng, whether injury-returnees are ready, and how the club will use its growing depth on the flanks.

Below, BBC Sport Africa looks at five major lessons from the encounter.

Maswanganyi moves into Mofokeng’s role

The clearest tactical takeaway was the way Patrick Maswanganyi is being positioned to inherit the pivotal No. 10 berth vacated by Mofokeng.

After starting just 14 league matches last season, Maswanganyi was again entrusted with the central attacking role and appeared increasingly comfortable at the heart of the Pirates frontline.

Deployed behind the strikers for a second successive friendly – and against arguably their toughest opposition of pre-season – he “did not look out of place”, suggesting Ouaddou sees him as a primary creative outlet this term.

His performance will heighten expectations that he can grow into a full-time starting role and mitigate the impact of Mofokeng’s departure.

Concerns over Nduli’s readiness

In midfield, the outing raised doubts about whether Sihle Nduli will be fully ready for the start of the 2026/27 season.

Nduli missed the entire second half of the 2025/26 campaign through injury and was handed a first pre-season start in Spain, lining up alongside Thalente Mbatha in the centre of the park.

However, he still appeared short of sharpness. Nduli was withdrawn at half-time, replaced by Simphiwe Selepe, with Mbatha also making way as Abdoulaye Mariko came on.

The changes underline that while Nduli is back on the pitch, Ouaddou may need to manage his minutes carefully and could have to rely on alternatives in the early weeks of the new season.

Appollis and Moremi pose selection puzzle

On the wings, Pirates face a tactical conundrum rather than a lack of quality.

Tshepang Moremi has largely operated from the left flank in pre-season and again started there, while Oswin Appollis was stationed on the right side of the attack.

Appollis initially looked uncomfortable in that role, struggling to influence play. His impact only improved once he was instructed to drift inside from the right, at which point he began to pose a threat.

The dynamic leaves Ouaddou with a “headache” over how best to configure his wide positions: whether to keep Moremi on the left and persist with Appollis on the right, or adjust their roles to maximise both players’ strengths.

Van Rooyen under pressure to seize opportunity

At right wing-back, Deano Van Rooyen was handed a valuable chance to stake his claim but did not fully convince.

Having featured in just 14 matches in all competitions last season, Van Rooyen benefited from the departure of Thabiso Lebitso, which has opened up a realistic pathway to more game time.

Yet, despite starting in Spain, he “did not exactly show why he should be starting more matches”, leaving questions over whether he can make the position his own.

With Kamogelo Sebelebele often used in multiple roles, Van Rooyen still has an opening to prove himself – but his performances in the remaining pre-season fixtures will be under close scrutiny.

Wide options showcase growing depth

If one area looked significantly strengthened, it was out wide.

Pirates were able to maintain their intensity on the flanks in the second half, with substitutes Bohlale Ngwato and Mpho Padime making an immediate impact after coming on.

Their energy and directness ensured there was no drop-off in tempo, underlining the level of competition in attacking wide areas.

The Buccaneers can also call on Neo Rapoo and Ghampani Lungu, further bolstering their options and giving Ouaddou multiple profiles to choose from depending on the opposition.

As the Spanish tour continues, Pirates will be encouraged by the depth emerging across their squad, even as key roles – particularly in midfield and at right wing-back – remain very much up for grabs.