Evidence Makgopa on Jose Riveiro and Abdeslam Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates are back in South Africa to start preparations for the new season 2025/2026. Ezikamagebhula went to Spain for the pre-season training playing with different clubs. In the first match played at Marbella Football Centre, Orlando Pirates lost 2-0 to English League Two Bolton Wanderers.

It was their first defeat under the new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who joined them from Marumo Gallants. They went to play back-to-back draws against Cyprus side Pafos FC and Spanish side Las Palmas. Their only victory was when they beat Granada 2-0 in their final match of the pre-season training.

Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa, speaking to Victor Molefe at Ukhozi FM Prime Time Sports, said, "For me, I still have to work hard to improve from last season's performances. I could say I'm the striker that Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, likes, but I can adjust. I'm versatile; I can play anywhere. With my height, I can easily connect, so I will say there's no difference between Jose Riveiro and Abdeslam Ouaddou; both are good coaches."

"They love players, so I would need to work harder to get more call-ups in the national team. So we will fight to get into the next round in the CAF after being knocked out in the semi-final. For now, I would love to encourage our fans to go out and get our new jersey, and they must attend games in the new season, especially in Durban as we have more fans there." Orlando Pirates will face Polokwane City in the MTN 8 Quarter-Final on the 2nd of August 2025 at Orlando Stadium.