Orlando Pirates finished their pre-season tour of Spain in style, clinching a 2-0 victory over Granada in their final friendly match on Saturday.
The result was a well-earned reward after a demanding schedule that included three earlier encounters on the Spanish coast.
Read: Pirates End Spain Tour With Victory
While the Buccaneers took their time to register a win, the progress shown from game to game has offered glimpses into what fans can expect in the 2025/26 campaign.
From squad rotation to tactical tweaks, the tour was about more than just results – it was a testing ground for combinations, character, and chemistry.
Throughout their stay at the Marbella Football Center, several players quietly went about staking their claim for regular starting berths.
Whether it was seasoned campaigners picking up where they left off last season, or fresh faces blending into the rhythm of the team, the tour produced no shortage of talking points.
From rock-solid defensive displays to creative sparks in midfield and moments of composure in front of goal, the signs were encouraging.
Read: Champions Banyana Advance To WAFCON Semis!
The final match may have produced the goals, but the groundwork was laid across all four matches – in moments of pressure, in flashes of brilliance, and in new partnerships starting to blossom.
Now, as the team returns to South Africa to continue their preparations ahead of the MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City, the question shifts to: who did enough to turn heads? Who is showing signs of a big season ahead?
Click through the gallery to see some of the standout names from Pirates’ pre-season tour.
Photos by Orlano Pirates
