Orlando Pirates name new-look XI for rapid Las Palmas rematch on Spanish tour

Orlando Pirates have unveiled a much-changed starting line-up for their second meeting with Spanish side Las Palmas in less than a week, as the South African giants continue an intense pre-season schedule in Spain.

The Soweto club are back on the pitch on Wednesday evening, barely 24 hours after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Ittihad, in which Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side were involved in a five-goal thriller.

The clash with LaLiga 2 outfit Las Palmas is the fourth friendly of Pirates’ Spanish tour and forms part of their final preparations for the new Betway Premiership campaign, which begins on 1 August.

Their starting XI for the game reads: Dladla, Chabatsane, Zulu, Rapoo, Lungu, Mthiyane, Dansin (captain), Mmolai, Msendami, Padime, Mbuthuma.

On the bench are: Monyepao, Xoki, Derbyshire, Mariko, De Jong, Masilela, Radiopane.

Pirates chase first win over familiar Las Palmas

Las Palmas are becoming something of a regular pre-season opponent for the Buccaneers.

The Sea Robbers have already faced the Spanish Segunda Division side ahead of each of the last two campaigns, with both contests ending in goalless stalemates.

Wednesday’s encounter therefore offers Pirates a chance not only to fine-tune tactics and combinations but also to secure a first victory against the Canary Islands club after two frustrating 0-0 draws.

With Ouaddou likely to rotate heavily after the energy-sapping battle with Al-Ittihad, the coach will be looking for fringe players and youngsters to stake their claim for places ahead of the domestic season.

Mixed results on Spanish tour so far

Pirates’ pre-season in Spain has produced a mix of performances and results:

– They opened the tour with a 1-1 draw against Cordoba. – That was followed by a 2-1 win over Cadiz, giving Ouaddou’s side an early confidence boost. – Their third match ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Al-Ittihad in a pulsating encounter against one of the Saudi Pro League’s big spenders.

The match against Las Palmas is their penultimate fixture in Spain, with one final friendly lined up before they fly home.

Final Spanish test before Premiership kick-off

The Buccaneers will wrap up their European schedule on Friday when they face another Saudi side, Neom, in their last game of the tour.

That fixture comes just over a week before Pirates open their Betway Premiership campaign against newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 1 August.

With competitive action looming, the focus in Spain has shifted from basic fitness to sharpening match rhythm, testing tactical systems and settling on a core group of starters.

The quick turnaround between matches against Al-Ittihad, Las Palmas and Neom gives Ouaddou an opportunity to assess his squad’s depth and resilience, as Pirates aim to hit the new season at full speed.