Orlando Pirates are back in Johannesburg from a pre-season training camp in Spain, and they are preparing to kick off their Betway Premiership title defence against newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou led the players at Rand Stadium on Tuesday as they went through their paces, readying for what promises to be a hectic season. While also seeking to defend the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, the Buccaneers will also be out to fight for the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League.
They have returned home after playing five friendly matches in Spain. FARPost takes a look at some key takeaways from Tuesday’s training session ahead of the season opener.
1. TWO NEW FACES SPOTTED AT PIRATES TRAINING
Winger Kabelo Kgositsile is back at Pirates after spending last season on loan at Baroka FC. The 22-year-old was part of the group that was training at Rand Stadium, but it is not yet clear whether he is in Ouaddou’s season plans after he did not travel to Spain.
Also spotted with the rest of the squad is defender Moses Mphekgoane, who has graduated from the Buccaneers’ DStv Diski Challenge side. Just like Kgositsile, Mphekgoane was also not in Spain.
He joined his former DDC teammates Christian Derbyshire, Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela, who travelled to Europe for pre-season training.
2. PEDERSEN NOT YET TRAINING WITH ORLANDO PIRATES
New signing Sebastian Pedersen was missing from training on Tuesday after Pirates announced his acquisition on Sunday. The Norwegian is yet to link up with his new teammates as he is expected to help the Buccaneers turn prolific upfront.
3. ONLY THREE GOALKEEPERS TRAINING
Goalkeepers Sipho Chaine, Siyabonga Dladla and Zoey Monyepao were spotted working under coaches Tyron Damons and Siyabonga Mphontshane.
Following the recent departure of Melusi Buthelezi to Sekhukhune United, the Soweto giants might be in the market looking for another goalkeeper and beef up this department, which usually has three men training with the first team.
4. KABELO DLAMINI MISSING IN ACTION
Midfielder Kabelo Dlamini was not part of the group working out at Rand Stadium. This comes as he struggled for game time and injuries last season and was recently reported to be on his way to Stellenbosch FC.
5. THE OTHER MARIKO ABSENT
Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko, who spent last season on loan at Chippa United and Orbit College FC, was not present at training. Another loan move or permanent transfer cannot be ruled out.
But his compatriot and namesake Abdoulaye Mariko was part of the squad working under the watchful eye of Ouaddou after he was also in Spain.
6. XOKI BACK ON HIS FEET AND LOOKING SHARP
Vice captain Tapelo Xoki looks fully fit and ready to challenge for regular playing minutes this season. The centre-back did not play any competitive games last season as he battled injuries.
His return boosts Ouaddou’s options in central defence, where the likes of skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Mpho Chabatsane and new kid on the block Christian Derbyshire will also be looking to play regularly.
7. NCIKAZI WALKING WITH A CRUTCH
Ouaddou’s assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi, was walking around the pitch with a crutch while visibly limping as he went about his business.
RELATED STORY: ‘A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’: Pedersen bold on why he joined Orlando Pirates
