Orlando Pirates Face Toughest Pre-Season Test Against Al-Ittihad in Marbella

The Orlando Pirates have announced their starting lineup for the third pre-season friendly against Al-Ittihad at the Marbella Football Center on July 21, 2026. The match, scheduled to kick off at 19:00, promises to be a tough test for the Buccaneers, who are gearing up for the new Betway Premiership campaign.

The team will start with Sipho Chaine in goal, Nkosinathi Sibisi as captain, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deano Van Rooyen, Sihle Nduli, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Evidence Makgopa in attack. This lineup includes several regulars from last season, with new signings still awaiting their chance to break into the team.

Orlando Pirates' head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made it clear that this pre-season is crucial for building chemistry within the team. With the Betway Premiership opener against Kruger United fast approaching, the Buccaneers are shifting their focus from experimentation to solidifying their strongest team. A positive result against Al-Ittihad would give the team a much-needed confidence boost before the new season begins.

New signings in the Orlando Pirates squad include midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane, who joined from Stellenbosch FC; striker Ghampani Lungu, signed from Siwelele FC; midfielder Matome Mmolai, who came from Leicesterford City; and winger Bohlale Ngwato, signed from Siwelele FC. Additionally, central defender Sbangani Zulu has joined the team from Richards Bay, while left wing-back Aphiwe Baliti has returned on loan from Siwelele FC.

As the team faces its toughest pre-season test, Orlando Pirates' fans are hoping for a positive result to fuel their squad's confidence ahead of the new season. Will the Buccaneers rise to the challenge and demonstrate their strength, or will Al-Ittihad prove too much for them to handle? One thing is for sure

• Orlando Pirates fans will be on the edge of their seats, cheering their team on every step of the way.

Al-Ittihad is a well-established Saudi Arabian football club with a rich history of producing world-class players and competing successfully in international tournaments. With such a formidable opponent on the horizon, Orlando Pirates can expect to face a fierce challenge that will put their team's skills to the test.

The match will be live streamed on the Orlando Pirates YouTube channel and SuperSport 209, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action and cheer on their favorite team.