Orlando Pirates will be keen to end their Spanish pre-season tour on a high when they take on Qatar giants Al Sadd at Banùs Football Centre on Friday night, in a match that promises to be a tough test for the South Africans.
The Sea Robbers are expected back in South Africa by Monday following a two-week intense training camp in Spain where they remain unbeaten after three matches.
The Buccaneers saw their first match on tour against English Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle end in a 2-2 draw.
Then coach Jose Riveiro’s men followed that up with a convincing 2-0 victory over La Liga outfit and seven-time Europa League winners Sevilla.
Their last outing ended in a one-all draw with recently relegated La Liga Granada.
During these matches, Riveiro had an opportunity to put to the test all his players, including new signings and youngsters from the club’s development structures.
Some of the newbies who got a chance to impress the technical team and give a glimpse of what the fans can expect next season are exciting Angolan winger Gilberto, versatile fullback Dimpho Madalane, Thuso Moleleki, young goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla and promising teenager Mohau Nkota.
The Al Sadd challenge promises to be different for the Sea Robbers as the King of Hearts are the most successful club in Qatar.
The Doha-based outfit completed a domestic double last season, clinching the Qatar Stars League and the Emir Cup titles.
Al Zaeem have won the AFC Champions League two times and remain the only Qatar side to conquer the Asian continent.
During their pre-season tour of Spain, Al Sadd annihilated Gibraltar Football League outfit Manchester 62 by 8-0.
Gonzalo Plata, their dangerman, scored a hat-trick against Manchester 62 while recently recruited Spanish forward Rafa Mujica scored a double on his unofficial debut.
The match kicks off at 19:30 (SA time).
☠️🇪🇸MATCH DAY🇪🇸☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 19, 2024
🆚 @alsaddsc
📆 19 July 2024
🏟 @MarbellaFCenter
🕒 19:30 (SAST)
📺 @SuperSportTV
▶️ STREAMING NOT AVAILABLE
⚫⚪🔴⭐#Matchday#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways #preseason pic.twitter.com/o3zKNUO2P9
