Orlando Pirates to Face Bolton Wanderers in Spain During 2025 Pre-Season Tour

• Orlando Pirates will face English League One side Bolton Wanderers on 11 July 2025 during their European pre-season tour in Marbella, Spain
• The Buccaneers are preparing for the 2025/26 season following the departure of Spanish head coach Jose Riveiro, with a new coach expected to be announced soon
• Further pre-season fixtures and new player signings are expected to be revealed before the squad jets off to Europe

Orlando Pirates are gearing up for an exciting European pre-season tour ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The Soweto giants will return to Spain, where they’ll face a host of international teams as they prepare for a fresh start following the departure of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro.

Pirates confirm clash against Bolton Wanderers

The first confirmed fixture of their European camp will see Orlando Pirates take on English League One outfit Bolton Wanderers. The match is scheduled for 11 July 2025 at the Marbella Football Centre in Spain.

This clash is part of the club’s broader preparations for a demanding season, with further fixtures expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

New coach and signings to be unveiled before tour

With the departure of Riveiro, anticipation is mounting around who will be appointed as Pirates' new head coach. The club is expected to unveil their new tactician before they depart for Europe.

In addition, several new signings are reportedly set to be announced, giving fans even more to look forward to as the squad rebuilds for the upcoming season.

Previous pre-season fixtures show ambition

Last year’s pre-season schedule demonstrated Pirates’ ambition on the international stage. They locked horns with the likes of Sevilla, Granada, Al Sadd, and Plymouth Argyle , challenging matches that tested the team’s depth and tactical maturity.

FKF clears air on Benni McCarthy's deal amid Pirates links

Meanwhile, one of the coaches linked with a return to Orlando Pirates, Benni McCarthy, remains fully contracted to the Kenyan national team until after AFCON 2027.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed clarified that while McCarthy’s name has surfaced in speculation following Jose Riveiro’s departure, the South African coach is still focused on leading Harambee Stars at the upcoming 2024 CHAN tournament.

Moeneeb Josephs raises concerns over Rhulani Mokwena

Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs expressed concern over Rhulani Mokwena’s potential return as head coach.

Josephs questioned whether Mokwena is the right fit to replace the outgoing Jose Riveiro, citing past tensions and controversy during Mokwena’s previous stint at the club.

Jose Riveiro speaks on leaving Orlando Pirates

Briefly News previously reported that Jose Riveiro, the former Orlando Pirates head coach, has officially dismissed rumours suggesting he left the club due to family or distance-related reasons.

Now coaching Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, Riveiro clarified that his departure was purely a personal and professional decision, stating that his journey with Pirates had come to a natural end.

The 48-year-old Spaniard, who won multiple domestic trophies with the Buccaneers, said he needed a fresh challenge to continue growing as a coach.

Source: Briefly News