Orlando Pirates have confirmed that three players from their DStv Diski Challenge-winning squad last season are with the senior side in their pre-season camp at the Marbella Football Centre in Spain.
On Wednesday, the Buccaneers will play their first test match, against Spanish Segunda Division side Cordoba.
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions are back in Malaga, Spain for the fourth successive pre-season and will play five friendly matches during their stay.
On Tuesday, Pirates also confirmed that Academy products Cristian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela and Mpho Padime have been included alongside several new signings in the senior squad of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
“The Bucs squad has undergone some changes heading into the fixture, with many new faces looking to hit their stride as early as possible with stiff competition for spots expected in the new season,” Pirates stated.
“Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo and Mthetheleli Mthiyane are among the new arrivals, while Academy products Cristian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela and Mpho Padime have been all been rewarded with first-team call-ups after helping the club’s Reserves to the DStv Diski Challenge title.
“This makes for an exciting mix of youth and experience heading into the new season, providing the technical team with a wealth of options at every department.
“With emerging talent complementing an established core alongside fresh faces looking to make a lasting first impression in Pirates colours, the fixture against Cordoba offers an intriguing glimpse into what lies ahead.
|As preparations gather momentum, Wednesday’s encounter provides the Buccaneers with an opportunity to sharpen match fitness and lay the foundations for another ambitious campaign.”
The match will kick off at 19:00 South African time.
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