Orlando Pirates v Al Ittihad: World Cup stars return as Buccaneers step up Spanish tour tests

Orlando Pirates’ contingent of World Cup players has rejoined the squad in Spain, handing head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou a full-strength group as the Buccaneers prepare for a stern pre-season examination against Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad on Tuesday.

The South African giants are deep into their European training camp ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with the clash against Al Ittihad viewed as one of the most demanding fixtures on their Spanish schedule.

World Cup heroes bolster Pirates squad

Pirates had been operating without several key figures while South Africa’s Bafana Bafana made history at the FIFA World Cup, advancing to the knockout phase for the first time before bowing out in a narrow Round of 32 defeat to Canada.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, midfielder Tshepang Moremi and forward Oswin Appollis were among those granted additional rest after featuring at the global tournament, only joining up with their club-mates partway through the Spanish camp.

Following a period of recovery on their return from international duty, the players have now re-integrated into full training, allowing Ouaddou to work with his entire squad for the first time this pre-season.

Their arrival has injected fresh energy and intensity into sessions, as players battle to impress before the new domestic and continental campaigns begin.

Moremi on target as match fitness builds

Moremi has already underlined his value since reporting back to club duty, finding the net in Pirates’ recent friendly against La Liga side Cadiz.

The midfielder’s goal came as he began rebuilding match sharpness following his exertions at the World Cup, and his quick impact underlines the depth now available to Ouaddou.

The return of the Bafana Bafana quartet has sharpened competition for places across the pitch, with the coaching staff keen to use these fixtures to test different combinations and tactical variations.

Al Ittihad test ‘different challenge’

Tuesday’s match against Al Ittihad, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent clubs, is expected to provide a significant step up in difficulty for Pirates on tour.

The Saudi Pro League outfit is likely to pose a contrasting tactical and physical challenge to the European opposition faced so far, giving Ouaddou a valuable benchmark of where his side stands in its pre-season development.

Pirates’ technical team has stressed that the focus in Spain is not solely on scorelines. Sessions and friendlies have been geared towards improving fitness levels, deepening tactical understanding and building on-field cohesion ahead of a demanding season.

Packed season drives pre-season intensity

With the Betway Premiership, MTN8, domestic cup competitions and a CAF Champions League campaign on the horizon, Pirates are using the Spanish tour to lay the foundations for a sustained challenge on multiple fronts.

For the returning internationals, the remaining pre-season fixtures will be crucial to regaining rhythm after their World Cup exploits, while also proving they merit starting roles in a squad brimming with competition.

After facing Al Ittihad, Orlando Pirates will round off their Spanish programme with friendlies against Las Palmas and Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom FC.

Those matches will give Ouaddou further opportunities to assess his options, refine his tactical approach and finalise his strongest line-up before the Buccaneers enter the decisive final phase of preparations for the 2026-27 season.