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The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates finish Spanish pre-season tour on a high
Orlando Pirates wrapped up their Spanish pre-season tour on a high note, scoring twice in the dying minutes to secure a 2-0 win over Granada CF in a friendly encounter on Saturday evening. The victory at the Marbella Football Centre marked the Soweto giants' first win of their European training camp, following three previous matches without a victory. It also served as a morale booster ahead of the upcoming Betway Premiership 2025/26 season. Despite having faced the Andalusian outfit ahead of last season – a 1-1 draw – this encounter started tentatively, with both teams struggling to create early chances. Orlando Pirates' first real opportunity fell to left-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the 24th minute, but the youngster failed to convert after sustained pressure. Striker Boitumelo Radiopane followed up with a close-range header minutes later, though his effort lacked the power to trouble Granada 'keeper Luca Zidane. Mbokazi had another golden opportunity before the break, but miscued his shot after being played through by Karim Kimvuidi. Granada threatened just before half-time, but Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced a vital save to keep the scores level. Chaine was called into action again early in the second half before being replaced by Siyabonga Dladla in the 61st minute. The Buccaneers, led by substitutes Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Yanela Mbuthuma, dominated the second half. Mofokeng missed a promising chance in the 56th minute, while Granada nearly stole the lead in the 78th minute, only to be denied by the crossbar. Orland Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute through Maswanganyi, who calmly slotted home from inside the box after a well-worked move. The South Africans doubled their lead at the 90-minute mark when Mofokeng rounded the 'keeper and buried the ball into an empty net to seal the win. The result kept Orlando Pirates unbeaten in their last three pre-season fixtures, and ends their European stint on a positive note. They will now return to South Africa to complete preparations ahead of their MTN8 title defence, which kicks off with a home fixture against Polokwane City. Chaine (Dladla 61'), Xoki (Sibisi 46'), Seema (Ndlozi 46'), Mashiloane (Van Rooyen 46'), Mbokazi (Ndaba 46'), Selepe (Nduli 46'), Mbule (Dlamini 46'), Kwayiba (Dansin 46'), Moremi (Mofokeng 46'), Kimvuidi (Maswanganyi 46'), Radiopane (Mbuthuma 46') Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Announces Official Transfer Before June 30
La Liga soccer giant FC Barcelona officially announced a transfer on Sunday evening, just ahead of ... More the important date of June 30. La Liga soccer giant FC Barcelona officially announced a transfer on Sunday evening, just ahead of the important date of June 30. 'FC Barcelona and Granada CF have reached an agreement for the loan of the goalkeeper Ander Astralaga until 30 June 2026,' the first part of a statement uploaded to the Catalans' website read. The club explained how Astralaga was born in the Basque country in March 2004, and joined La Masia from Athletic Club in the summer of 2018. He then joined the U-16s and lept up to the U19s ahead of making his reserve team debut against Betis Deportio in the 2021/2022 season. 'Since then the keeper has part of both the Barça Atlètic squad and the first team squad. Astralaga made his first team debut in preseason in 2024/25 in a match against Manchester City. Now, he leaves on loan to Granada in search of regular first team football to continue his development,' the club concluded. With Barca having already announced the incoming transfer of Joan Garcia, made possible by activating his $28.8 million (€25 million) release clause at crosstown rival Espanyol, it was going to be difficult for Astralaga to break into Hansi Flick's first team squad next season. At the moment, there are four men in the running for the number one goalkeeper spot including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczesny and Inaki Pena. Ter Stegen was previously the main starter and captain, but a near campaign-ending injury last September led to luring Szczesny out of retirement and signing the Pole on a one-season contract that is expected to be extended. Barca looks to be trying to force Ter Stegen out of the exit door, but he has a contract until mid-2028 and, according to SPORT, wants his owed pay in full if that deal will be rescinded. Astralaga had other competition in the FC Barcelona reserve team As well as the four mentioned men, there's also Diego Kochen who would challenge Astralaga for minutes in the FC Barcelona reserve team known as Barca Atletic. A move at Granada could be positive for the Basque, however, who will perhaps earn more minutes than would be the case if he'd hung around in Catalonia.
The Herald
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Pirates confirm preseason tour schedule amid anticipation of coach announcement
A few names have been bandied about with the vacant job, including two unattached highly-respected local coaches Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane. During the tour of Spain, the Soweto giants will play exciting friendly matches against English side Bolton Wanderers, Cyprus champions Pafos FC and two Spanish sides Las Palmas and Granada CF. This won't be the first time that Pirates face off with the Spanish teams as they played Granada during their time in the European country ahead of last season. Their friendly clash ended in a 1-1 draw with Angolan winger Gilberto scoring for the Premier Soccer League giants. Pirates and Las Palmas played each other in 2023 and their battle ended in a goalless draw. The Soweto giants will play Bolton on July 11, Pafos on July 13, Las Palmas on July 17 and Granada on July 19.
