ORLANDO Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou speaking with his players as they gear up for the Betway Premiership title defence.
Orlando Pirates concluded their Spanish pre-season tour with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Neom FC on Friday, but the camp provided Abdeslam Ouaddou with valuable preparation ahead of a season where the Buccaneers will be expected to compete on multiple fronts.
The defeat brought an end to a two-week training camp that saw Pirates test themselves against quality opposition from Spain and Saudi Arabia as they worked towards building a squad capable of defending their Betway Premiership title while also challenging for cup honours and continental success.
Pirates finished the tour with two victories, one draw and two defeats from their five friendly matches, with the results secondary to the technical team’s focus on fitness, tactical development and strengthening combinations within the squad.
The Buccaneers enter the new campaign with increased expectations after Ouaddou guided them to a historic domestic treble last season, winning the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup.
