Abdeslam Ouaddou Targets Winning End to Orlando Pirates’ Spain Tour

Abdeslam Ouaddou coach of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Orlando Pirates and Siwelele FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on the 14 March 2026 ©Sydney Mahlangu BackpagePix

The Buccaneers kicked off their tour with a 1-1 draw with Spanish Segunda Division side Cordoba before a 3-2 loss to Saudi team Al-Ittihad and 1-0 win over Las Palmas.

They conclude their preparations for the new Betway Premiership campaign at the Estepona Football Center on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the game, a motivated Ouaddou admits it will be a tough match, but he is expecting a victory.

“We still have one game, and it will be a tough one again,” said Ouaddou on Sportswire.

“I think it will be an opportunity to make amends because my team didn’t deserve to lose [against Al-Ittihad on Tuesday]. Against Neom, we’ll have the chance to respond, and I’ll be happy if we finish this camp with a victory.”

READ: ‘We Need to Find Back Our Strength Defensively’- Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Calls for Defensive Improvement After Al Ittihad defeat

Reflecting on the recent win over Las Palmas where he gave a number of fringe players a run-out, Ouaddou added: “I’m very happy with the preparations of the boys, and today [Wednesday] was a top performance.

“We gave an opportunity to some young players. I’m very happy because it was the most important thing to do. This is the youngest team I could have fielded during this camp.

“They are responding well in terms of aggressiveness and tactical organisation. Technically, they were very clever. I think Orlando Pirates have a bright future with these young players.”