Pirates Start Spanish Pre-Season Tour with Tough Draw Against Córdoba CF
Orlando Pirates kicked off their European pre-season journey with a gritty 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF, a team from the Spanish Segunda División, at the Marbella Football Center on Wednesday evening.
Back in Spain for another prestigious European camp, Jose Riveiro’s squad will be disappointed for not clinching a significant win after missing several golden chances—particularly through forward Tshepang Moremi.
What was Orlando Pirates’ starting lineup in the absence of Relebohile Mofokeng?
This match was the Buccaneers’ first outing since the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng. The young talent recently made headlines with a major transfer to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise following impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mofokeng was the standout player of the Pirates team that achieved an extraordinary domestic treble last season, securing their first league title in 14 years and breaking Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year dominance in the league.
With central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi rested after his World Cup duties with Bafana Bafana, playmaker Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi took on the role of captain for the Sea Robbers in Marbella.
How did Boitumelo Radiopane salvage a draw for the Buccaneers?
Although the Buccaneers displayed dominance in the first half, they could not turn their advantage into goals. They faced the consequences in the 68th minute when a lapse in defense within the penalty area allowed Javi Antrás to deliver a precise left-footed shot past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Nevertheless, the Soweto giants quickly responded. Pirates applied pressure on Córdoba, forcing goalkeeper Carlos Marín into a critical mistake that Boitumelo Radiopane capitalized on, sliding the ball into an empty net and equalizing the score.
In search of a late winner, Pirates pressed on. In the 83rd minute, Tshepang Moremi surged through the Spanish defense during a rapid counter-attack, but a last-ditch slide tackle deflected his shot out for a corner. Moremi had a final opportunity in stoppage time, but Córdoba’s defense held steady to secure a draw.
Who will Orlando Pirates face next in Spain?
The Buccaneers will continue their tour in Spain, facing La Liga 2 side Cádiz CF on Saturday, 18 July, coinciding with Mandela Day celebrations back in South Africa.
