Following a hard-fought goalless draw in Marbella, Spain, UD Las Palmas head coach Luis García has expressed his admiration for Orlando Pirates, highlighting their strength and tactical prowess.
The friendly clash, held at the Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas, was the third fixture of the Buccaneers’ Spanish training camp, a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership season under newly appointed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Read: Orlando Pirates Hold La Liga’s Las Palmas to Goalless Draw in Pre-Season Friendly
Despite the lack of goals, García was highly impressed by the Soweto giants’ performance, commending their organization, physicality, and skill on the ball.
“Orlando Pirates are a very physical team, good rhythm, good individual profiles, very strong players – and they play good football,” García told SuperSport TV.
“It was a very good test for us in our first friendly. A very nice match overall.” His comments underscore the challenging nature of the encounter for his side, who compete in Spain’s Segunda División.
The Buccaneers’ pre-season campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to English League One outfit Bolton Wanderers, followed by a 1-1 draw against Cypriot club Pafos.
Their improved showing against Las Palmas suggests a positive trajectory as Ouaddou, formerly of Marumo Gallants, works to integrate new signings and implement his tactical vision.
Orlando Pirates have been active in the transfer market, making several eye-catching additions. The arrivals of creative midfielder Sipho Mbule and Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis are expected to play central roles in the club’s ambitions for the season.
The Buccaneers are looking to build on a strong 2024/25 campaign and mount serious challenges both domestically and in CAF continental competition.
Pirates will conclude their European tour with a final pre-season match against Granada CF later today, Saturday, July 19, 2025. Kick-off at the Marbella Football Center is set for 19:00 SAST.
Fans can stream the match live on the Orlando Pirates’ YouTube channel and on SuperSport TV channel 202.