Radiopane strike leaves Orlando Pirates buoyant before final Spanish test

Boitumelo Radiopane’s decisive goal against Las Palmas has sent Orlando Pirates into their final pre-season outing in Spain in upbeat mood as they prepare to defend their Betway Premiership title.

The 21-year-old forward struck in the second half to seal a 1-0 victory over the Spanish side, underlining his growing influence on tour and strengthening his claim for a bigger role under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Pirates face Saudi Arabian club Neom FC on Friday in the last match of their European training camp, a fixture that will give Ouaddou one more chance to scrutinise his options before competitive action resumes.

The Buccaneers have so far registered two wins, one draw and one defeat from four matches in Spain, using the trip to sharpen fitness levels, integrate players and refine tactical patterns rather than chase results alone.

Radiopane impresses as options grow in attack

Radiopane has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tour, repeatedly making the most of his opportunities in front of goal and offering Ouaddou an additional attacking alternative.

His winner against Las Palmas continued a productive pre-season for the striker and provided further evidence that he could play a more prominent part in the upcoming campaign.

For Ouaddou, now into his second pre-season at the helm, the victory represented another step forward as he looks to build on last term’s success, when he guided Pirates to a historic domestic treble.

Squad taking shape in Spain

Beyond the scorelines, the technical staff are understood to be encouraged by what they view as steady progress across the squad against strong opposition.

Improvement in defensive structure and organisation, as well as greater composure and clarity in possession, has been a notable feature of the tour as players adapt to Ouaddou’s demands.

The camp in Spain has also afforded younger members of the squad valuable exposure to high-level competition, while intensifying the fight for starting places ahead of the new season.

Friday’s meeting with Neom FC is expected to offer further hints about the combinations and personnel Ouaddou may favour when Pirates begin their title defence, with attention on which players can translate training form into match performances.

Although pre-season outcomes are rarely seen as definitive indicators, Pirates will still be keen to close out their stay in Spain with another positive result to reinforce belief before a demanding schedule at home and in Africa.

Busy start to title defence

Pirates open the defence of their Betway Premiership crown on Saturday, 1 August, when they host top-flight newcomers Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The game carries added interest given Milford’s route to promotion. They secured their place by overcoming Cape Town City in the National First Division play-offs, before stepping into the Premiership to replace Magesi FC.

Ouaddou’s side, however, will have little chance to ease into the new campaign.

Just a week after their league opener, Pirates begin the defence of their MTN8 title against Durban City at home on 8 August, targeting the first of the three trophies they lifted during last season’s treble-winning run.

The fixtures then come quickly. The Buccaneers travel to KwaZulu-Natal to face AmaZulu on 12 August, followed by another away match in Gqeberha against Chippa United on 16 August.

They return to familiar surroundings at Orlando Stadium on 25 August to take on Sekhukhune United, as the focus shifts from pre-season fine-tuning in Spain to navigating another exacting campaign across domestic competitions and the CAF Champions League.