With Orlando Pirates performances so far in their pre-season friendly matches in Spain described by many as 'lacklustre', the side's readiness for the upcoming season has been discussed.
With new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou experimenting with different combinations, often using completely different teams in either half of matches, Pirates have not kicked into gear.
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The final friendly encounter is against La Liga outfit Granada at the Marbella Football Centre on Saturday before returning to South Africa.
"It's pre-season, and what's important is for the coach to understand his players, establish his line-up, and evaluate the squad since he is new to the team," shares veteran former Buccaneers coach Augusto Palacios.
"Keep in mind that they are facing teams that play different styles of football because they come from different countries.
"Some of these teams are more physical than others. What's crucial in pre-season is for the players to respond to what the new Pirates coach wants," he adds.
Palacios believes that with the MTN8 in a fortnight's time, the new tactician needs to determine his starting XI.
"At this moment, it's important for the coach to assess the strengths of the players and facilitate the integration of new recruits with the existing squad, which is why we call it pre-season.
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“Thus, performance in pre-season games is not critical. They are meant to help figure out starting XIs."
The Soweto giants, who finished last season as runners-up in the league, will open the Betway Premiership campaign with a fixture against Sekhukhune United at Orlando on August 9.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
