Orlando Pirates FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spanish Segunda Division side Las Palmas in their final pre-season test in Spain. Boitumelo Radiopane’s second-half strike proved decisive, marking the Buccaneers’ second win on their European tour. The result also saw Pirates keep their first clean sheet of the pre-season campaign. League standing: 1st in Premier Soccer League, 69 pts, 21W-6D-3L from 30 games, recent form WDWWD.

What happened in the match?

Pirates dominated possession and created several scoring chances, particularly in the first half. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou fielded a youthful lineup, with Cemran Dansin leading the side. Radiopane, who came on as a substitute, capitalized on a defensive error to score the only goal in the 85th minute. Las Palmas had two clear opportunities late in the game but failed to convert.

Why this win matters for Pirates

The victory provides a confidence boost ahead of the new season, showcasing the team’s resilience and ability to grind out results. It also highlights the depth of the squad, with young players stepping up in the absence of regular starters. The clean sheet will be particularly encouraging for Ouaddou, who has been working on defensive solidity.

What’s next for Orlando Pirates FC?

With pre-season preparations now complete, Pirates will return to South Africa to finalize their preparations for the upcoming Premier Soccer League season. The team will aim to build on their strong form, having scored 58 goals and conceded just 12 this season, maintaining a 1-point lead over Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table.