Orlando Pirates' young stars are in the Netherlands for a week-long tour, aiming to showcase their talent against top academies. The team, which clinched the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) championship title last May, is led by 17-year-old Ncedo Mafanyana, who made his way to Pirates in January after a stint with SuperSport United, now known as Siwelele FC.
What happened?
The team touched down in the Netherlands on Saturday, with the excitement palpable among the players. For Mafanyana, this marked his first trip outside South Africa, and he couldn't contain his excitement from the moment he found out he was part of the squad.
Why it matters for Orlando Pirates FC
The tour is a reward for the team's stellar season in the DDC, and it's an opportunity for the young stars to gain experience and exposure against top academies. The team will face SB Vitesse Arnhem on 18 August at their Papendal training complex, followed by a challenge against Under-21 KNVB Dutch Cup winners, De Graafschap, at the Bezelhorst training complex in Doetinchem.
What comes next?
The tour will culminate in Rotterdam on 22 August with a mini-tournament at the Robey Academy, where they will meet Sparta Rotterdam and Yamanashi Gakuin High School from Japan. Viwe Fetsha, another first-time traveler and Orlando West native, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "The flight felt like forever, but we were eager to reach the Netherlands. Now that we're here, it's our time to showcase our talent."
League standing
Orlando Pirates are currently 5th in the Premier Soccer League, with 4 points from 2 games, and are 3 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs. They have scored 3 goals and conceded 1 this season, with a goal difference of +2.
Goals this season
The team has scored 3 goals and conceded 1 this season, with a goal difference of +2.
Title race
Orlando Pirates are 3 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs in the title race.
Content
The tour is a reward for the team's stellar season in the DDC, and it's an opportunity for the young stars to gain experience and exposure against top academies. The team will face SB Vitesse Arnhem on 18 August at their Papendal training complex, followed by a challenge against Under-21 KNVB Dutch Cup winners, De Graafschap, at the Bezelhorst training complex in Doetinchem. The tour will culminate in Rotterdam on 22 August with a mini-tournament at the Robey Academy, where they will meet Sparta Rotterdam and Yamanashi Gakuin High School from Japan.
