Orlando Pirates vs Bolton Wanderers: Pre-season clash and starting XI
Orlando Pirates vs Bolton: Marbella friendly, and Starting XI
Orlando Pirates begin their 2025/26 pre-season in Marbella, Spain, with an eagerly anticipated friendly against English League One side Bolton Wanderers, offering an early glimpse of fresh signings and tactical plans under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
First Taste of Marbella: New Faces and Tactical Tests
Pirates are back at the Marbella Football Center, their preferred base during the summer preseason. Led by newly appointed coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the team is looking to integrate recent signings like Zakhele Lepasa and Relebohile Mofokeng into competitive action.
This friendly against Bolton is more than routine, it’s a strategic test. Pirates finished second in the PSL last season and need sharp tactical cohesion ahead of multiple competitions, including continental commitments.
Bolton’s Prepped Squad under Steven Schumacher
Bolton Wanderers, managed by Steven Schumacher, have tailored their preparations to match Pirates’ intensity. Schumacher plans to use two 45-minute line-ups to offer game time to all squad members, including seven summer recruits such as Ted Sharman-Lowe and Amario Cozier-Durberry.
Despite missing injured striker Sam Dalby and others, Bolton are using this fixture to test tactical depth and team cohesion in warm Mediterranean conditions—key preparation for a promotion push in League One.
Pirates Starting XI vs Bolton Wanderers
According to iDiski Times, Orlando Pirates will start with:
- Chaine (Goalkeeper)
- Shandu (Right‑back)
- Sibisi (Centre‑back)
- Mbokazi (Centre‑back)
- Hotto (Left‑back)
- Nduli (Holding Midfield)
- Mbule (Central Midfield)
- Maswanganyi (Right Midfield)
- Moremi (Left Midfield)
- Mofokeng (Attacking Midfield)
- Radiopane (Striker)
On the bench: Buthelezi, Xoki, Seema, Ndaba, Selepe, Nemtajela, Kwayiba, Appollis, Makgopa, Mabasa.
READ ALSO
South Africa vs Tanzania preview: Prediction, H2H, key players to watch, other details
Strategic Stakes for Both Teams
For Orlando Pirates, this match is an opportunity to solidify new coach Ouaddou’s vision, assess squad depth, and prepare for the rigours of the upcoming season, including the upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.
On the other side, Bolton use the same game to build match sharpness, integrate signings, and gather momentum ahead of the League One campaign starting in August.
How to Watch the Friendly
The Orlando Pirates vs Bolton Wanderers friendly will kick off at 11:00 SAST on Friday, 11 July. South African fans can tune in via SuperSport PSL channel (202), while global audiences can watch live on Pirates TV, the club’s official YouTube channel.
Updates and behind-the-scenes coverage will be shared via Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms. For Bolton supporters, Wanderers TV and local fan hubs will provide post-match insights and extended highlights.
Looking Ahead: Season Preview and Momentum Builders
Orlando Pirates aim to build upon last season’s success, second in PSL, MTN8 champions, and strong continental showing with a semi-final in CAF Champions League. This friendly marks the first step toward maintaining momentum into the 2025/26 season.
Bolton seek a strong start to their season, hoping to bounce back to the Championship under Schumacher. Matches like these are invaluable for team cohesion and match readiness.