Las Palmas coach praises "strong" Orlando Pirates after pre-season stalemate

The friendly clash at Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas marked the third fixture of the Pirates' Spanish training camp, forming a key part of their preparations ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season under newly appointed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Despite the goalless scoreline, Garcia commended the Soweto side for their organisation, physicality, and quality on the ball.

"Orlando Pirates are a very physical team, good rhythm, good individual profiles, very strong players - and they play good football," Garcia told SuperSport TV. "It was a very good test for us in our first friendly. A very nice match overall."

Pirates kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 defeat to English League One outfit Bolton Wanderers, followed by a 1-1 draw against Cypriot club Pafos. Their improvement was evident in the stalemate with Las Palmas, who play in Spain's Segunda División.

Ouaddou, formerly of Marumo Gallants, is using the Spanish tour to blend new signings and implement his tactical vision. The club has made several eye-catching moves in the transfer market, including the arrivals of creative midfielder Sipho Mbule and Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis - both expected to play central roles in the club's title push.

The Buccaneers are looking to build on a strong 2024/25 season and mount a serious domestic and continental challenge, with CAF competition also on the horizon.

Pirates will round off their European tour with a final pre-season match against Granada CF on Saturday, as Ouaddou looks to sharpen his squad ahead of a crucial campaign kickoff.