The Soweto giants are looking to equal last year’s heroics in their final match on Wednesday
Orlando Pirates will be out to maintain their unbeaten run when they take on Granada in their final friendly match in Spain on Wednesday.
Pirates face Spanish second division side Granada high on confidence after a morale-boosting 2-0 win over seven-time Europa League winners Sevilla on Monday and will feel Granada is a team they can add on their list of casualties.
Jose Riveiro’s men had an impressive display against the La Liga side with goals from Miguel Timm and Kabelo Dlamini giving them the win although there were moments when they allowed their opponents opportunities.
Those are some of the things they will want to cut out ahead of the clash at the Banus Football Centre in Malaga.
What did they say?
“For teams of this quality, you need to make use of the little chances you have and set pieces are very important in these types of games so happy to capitalise for the team,” said Timm, who opened the scoring on Monday after latching onto Relebohile Mofokeng’s ball from a corner.
“One of the instructions from the coach was that we must not be scared. We must play our football because they are also human beings, they make mistakes and I am happy we managed to push and get a result. It is pre-season, it is not about the result, we must apply what the coach wants,” Dlamini, who curled in a beautiful second goal also weighed in.
Pirates with a slight advantage?
Like the match against Sevilla, Pirates have a slight advantage over Granada who will be playing their first match since returning for pre-season.
The Buccaneers started their pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth last Friday and can complete it on a high with a second straight victory.
Time and where to watch
Pirates’ final pre-season clash in Spain will kick off at 18.55 and will be live on SuperSport SS PSL 202 as well as the club’s YouTube channel.
The Soweto giants are in Spain for a second successive year and will be hoping to equal last year’s heroics when they won two and drew one of their three games.
