Orlando Pirates have one last outing in their pre-season camp, as they gear up to face Spanish outfit UD Las Palmas in a Friendly match on Wednesday morning.
It’s an early kick off at the Marbella Football Centre as the Buccaneers conclude their stay in Europe, while their opponents take to the field for the first time since completing their 2022/23 campaign.
Match Overview
The Soweto Giants will look to follow up Saturday’s 3-1 win over Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle with another victory to make it three wins in as many fixtures on tour for Jose Riveiro’s men, handing them a valuable confidence boost with the 2023/24 campaign fast approaching.
It does not promise to be a walk in the park, however, as the Spanish outfit – nicknamed Pio Pio – come into the game on a high after securing promotion back to La Liga, following a second-place finish in the Segunda Division to go up automatically.
Much like the Buccaneers, Las Palmas finished the recently-concluded season with a lengthy unbeaten spell, going six games in the league without a defeat.
They now begin preparations for life in the top flight, with ex-Barcelona development coach Garcia Pimienta currently at the helm after taking over from Pepe Mel ahead of the successful 2022/23 campaign.
Team News
Bucs fans had a glimpse of nearly all players on tour during the fixture against Independiente, with goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi making his first appearance after sitting out the midweek fixture along with striker Soaibou Marou.
Both could have another run on Wednesday, while forwards Kermit Erasmus and Evidence Makgopa might also feature after missing out over the weekend.
For Las Palmas, new signings Daley Sinkgraven, Christian Herrera and Javi Munoz could make their first appearance in the Club’s colours.
Players to Watch
Club captain and former Spain youth international Jonathan Viera has been one of Las Palmas’ outstanding players since returning to the Club ahead of the 2021/22 season, leading from the front and chipping in with vital goals in his latest stint.
The attacking midfielder is just one of a number of goal threats possessed by Pio Pio, with the likes of striker Sandro Ramirez featuring regularly in the scoresheet, while Congolese midfielder Nuke Mfulu is ever-present in the middle of the park along with Fabio Gonzalez.
The Club’s number 1 choice in goal is Alvaro Valles, who kept an impressive 19 clean sheets in the previous season, playing behind experienced campaigners such as Saul Coco and Alex Suarez who all formed a crucial part in helping the Club to the best defensive record in the Segunda Division.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Las Palmas
The game kicks off at 11:00 (SAST) and can be streamed live on Pirates TV. You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates shared across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.
