Orlando Pirates Gear Up for Final Pre-Season Match Against Al-Sadd

Orlando Pirates are set to conclude their pre-season preparations with a highly anticipated match against Qatari powerhouse Al-Sadd. The clash will take place at the Banùs Football Centre on Friday evening, starting at 7:30 PM CAT. Fans can catch the thrilling encounter live on SuperSport PSL.

The Pirates’ lengthy pre-season tour in Spain comes to a close with this exciting fixture, showcasing a battle between one of South Africa’s premier football clubs and Qatar‘s most decorated team.

Both teams are coming off successful campaigns from the 2023/24 season, marking the match as a significant contest. Al-Sadd, having recently secured the domestic league title and the Emir Cup, heads into the match with a notable boost in confidence. Their only practice game thus far saw them dominate the Gibraltar Football League side, Manchester 62, with an impressive 8-0 victory, also held at the Banùs Football Centre.

The team from Doha prepares for a competitive season against some of Asia’s elite squads and will be looking to extend their success with another emphatic display against the famous Soweto Giants, as Pirates face their final match before returning to South African soil.

For the Orlando Pirates, this game presents a critical opportunity to regain momentum after struggling to secure wins during their Spanish tour. The Buccaneers faced a setback in their previous outing, ending in a draw against Granada. That game marked their second draw of the tour, following an earlier stalemate against Plymouth Argyle, which opened their pre-season fixtures.

Despite these challenges, the Pirates did achieve a standout victory while in Spain, triumphing over La Liga side Sevilla with a 2-0 scoreline at the Ramon Cisneros Palacios. The team will be vying to exit their adopted base in Marbella on a triumphant note with this final encounter.

Head coach Jose Riveiro has been experimenting with various player combinations throughout the tour, and it is expected that he will continue to rotate his squad for this match. The Buccaneers have been monitoring the fitness of striker Evidence Makgopa, who was stretchered off in the first half of the match against Granada due to injury. His availability remains uncertain, and in his potential absence, experienced forwards Tshegofatso Mabasa and Zakhele Lepasa are poised to step up.

On the other hand, Al-Sadd introduced Spanish forward Rafa Mujica, who transferred from the Portuguese side Arouca, in what was essentially an unofficial debut in the previous friendly. Mujica is presently Al-Sadd’s only new acquisition for the season, while winger Nayef Hamid has been sent out on loan to Al-Shahania.

One player to keep an eye on is Gonzalo Plata, who has been in phenomenal form, carrying over his scoring prowess from the last campaign. Plata notched up a hat-trick against Manchester 62, adding to his impressive tally of 14 goal contributions across 21 league appearances last season. His explosive play on the right wing poses a significant threat to any opposition.

In addition to Plata, Mujica is expected to contribute significantly to the attack after netting a brace in his opening match for Al-Sadd. Solidifying the defensive line for the Qatari team is goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, who brings a wealth of international experience to the squad with nearly 50 caps for Qatar. He will have the support of reliable defenders such as Brazilian Paulo Otàvio.

The matchup between Orlando Pirates and Al-Sadd promises to be an electrifying affair, showcasing both clubs’ talents as they look to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming season. Fans should prepare for an extraordinary display of skill and strategy when the two teams clash. With kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM SAST, viewers can access the live stream via Orlando Pirates’ official YouTube channel, Pirates TV, and SuperSport PSL. Additionally, live updates will be available across the Pirates’ social media platforms, ensuring fans remain engaged throughout the match.