UD Las Palmas head coach Luis Garcia has spoken highly of Orlando Pirates following their goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter at the Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas in Marbella.
The match marked the third fixture in Pirates' European pre-season tour, as the Soweto giants prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
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Pirates began their pre-season with a 2-0 loss to English side Bolton Wanderers, followed by a 1-1 draw with Cypriot club Pafos, before facing the Spanish side.
Ouaddou, formerly of Marumo Gallants, is using the Spanish training camp to integrate several new signings and refine his tactical style ahead of a new season, both domestically and in continental competitions.
Among the Buccaneers’ high-profile acquisitions are midfield maestro Sipho Mbule and Bafana Bafana star Oswin Appollis, signaling the club’s intent to mount a serious challenge for the league title.
Despite the scoreline, Garcia was impressed by the Sea Robbers’ organisation, intensity, and technical quality, describing the South African outfit as a strong and physical team.
"It was a very good test for us to keep improving to get fit for the Championship," Garcia told SuperSport TV after the match.
"Orlando Pirates are a very physical team, good rhythm, good profiles, individual profiles, very strong players and they play good football.
"Of course, Pirates are one of the best teams in South Africa. It was a very nice match, very nice because Orlando is a very physical team.
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"It was a very nice match. It's very good for us to play against them. It's our first week working together and our first friendly match."
With preparations intensifying, the Pirates will be hoping to build momentum ahead of what promises to be an exciting season. Their last match in Spain will be against Granada CF on Saturday.
