Orlando Pirates begin tour of Spain, Sipho Mbule to give a glimpse of what he's bringing
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates' assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says it was key to quickly settle in Marbella in order to 'integrate the new players into the group as quickly as possible.'
Pirates are on their third consecutive pre-season tour of Spain under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who joined the team this winter.
And having the last two preparations in Marbella, under coach Jose Riveiro, yielded three trophies and two back-to-back finishes in the league - Ouaddou is expected to improve on that.
As such, the Moroccan-born coach is not leaving anything to chance as has taken 32 players on their tour which will include high-intensity friendlies lined up to test the team's readiness.
Pirates will face English side Bolton Wanderers on Friday, followed by a meeting with newly crowned Cypriot champions Pafos FC on Sunday.
They'll then come up against La Liga outfit Las Palmas on July 17, before concluding with a test against Granada on July 19.
In ensuring that they are ready for these clashes, Pirates didn't waste time in getting to work in Marbella.
After touching down at Málaga International Airport on Tuesday afternoon before making the short journey to the coastal city of Marbella, they hit the training pitch.
Ouaddou conducted the training session as there was a notable blend of senior players and new signings which included Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis.
The duo was marquee signing for the club as they were linked with a number of teams locally and abroad, including Pirates' arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, this winter.
Mbule and Appollis are both regarded as game-changers, hence they are expected to drive Pirates' title charge next season in a bid to end Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance.
Mbule, though, is set to attract the most attention at Pirates as this could be his last chance to live up to expectations after his career was muddied with ill-discipline.
Mbule started his professional career at the set-to-be defunct SuperSport United before he was sold to Sundowns who loaned him out to Sekhukhune United last season.
At all three clubs, he reportedly faced disciplinary charges for ill-discipline, something that slowly but eventually dented his chances of reaching his full potential.
Ouaddou has stressed that they'll offer Mbule all the support he needs to get to his best, but he has to ensure that he does his part as well.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
PSV Eindhoven join race to sign Rele Mofokeng in potential R100 million move
Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven have reportedly joined the race to sign Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng. According to a report in Soccer Laduma, the Dutch giants are prepared to offer more than R100 million for the 20-year-old Mofokeng, who has been drawing interest from a number of European clubs during this transfer window. "R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that,' a source was quoted by the publication. 'The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million. You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that." Earlier this window, the player was linked with a possible move to Israel, although this was dismissed by Pirates. Clubs in Major League Soccer in the United States have also been keeping tabs on the youngster.


The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
PSL transfer news: Orlando Pirates set to earn over R150m
Orlando Pirates could potentially earn R150 million from the sales of Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng. Both players were instrumental in the Buccaneers' run to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. Nkota recently made a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. He is expected to sign a three-year deal that will reportedly see him earn over R12 million annually. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the transfer fee for Nkota is around £1.5 million (R36 million), with additional add-ons that could elevate the total to £2.15 million (R52 million) if certain performance targets are met. Meanwhile, Mofokeng could leave Orlando Pirates for a substantial R120 million, with Dutch giants PSV showing interest in signing the talented young winger in the coming days. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that! The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million. You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that,' the insider told Soccer Laduma . Should Orlando Pirates successfully sell Mofokeng to PSV, they could very well exceed R150 million in earnings during this transfer period. Both players came up through the club's development system and competed in the DSTV Diski Challenge just three years ago. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates respond to R120m Mofokeng news
Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng is hotly tipped with a move to Europe after the 20-year-old winger's 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games last season. Meanwhile, Soccer Laduma reported that Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven have offered Orlando Pirates R120 million for Mofokeng. The Soweto giants have since responded by categorising the report as fake news. R20 million paid into Kaizer Chiefs bank account? Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng against Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. Image: Sowetan 'Orlando Pirates Football Club has taken note of the article published by on Tuesday, 16 July 2025, titled: R120m For Mofokeng? How PSV's Linked To Pirates Sensation,' the club said. Orlando Pirates news: Monnapule Saleng and 11 players 'We wish to place it on record that no such offer has been received by the Club. The claims made in the article are not only false but also irresponsible and damaging,' the note continued. 'As a publication with a long-standing history in South African football, Soccer Laduma is expected to uphold the highest standards of journalism rooted in fact, accuracy, and responsibility. Unfortunately, in this instance, they have chosen sensationalism over truth,' concluded Orlando Pirates. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.