Orlando Pirates Fight Back to Beat Cádiz as Kaizer Chiefs End Spain Tour with Another Defeat
Orlando Pirates delivered another statement of intent ahead of the new Betway Premiership season, producing a determined comeback to defeat Spanish side Cádiz CF 2-1, while Kaizer Chiefs ended their pre-season tour on a disappointing note with another defeat in Spain.
The contrasting fortunes of South Africa’s biggest football rivals unfolded on Saturday night, with Pirates showing resilience and composure after an early setback, while Chiefs were once again left searching for answers despite a late fightback.
Pirates Show Character After Early Blow
The Buccaneers could hardly have imagined a worse start.
Just four minutes into the match, Cádiz capitalised on a defensive lapse as Ibon Sánchez punished Pirates’ mistake to hand the Spanish Segunda Division outfit an early lead.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail their performance, Pirates responded with confidence and urgency.
Only seven minutes later, Tsepang Moremi restored parity with a superb strike from outside the penalty area. His powerful finish shifted the momentum and injected belief into the Soweto giants as they began to dominate proceedings.
Moremi continued to influence the contest and played a decisive role just before the break. In the 44th minute, he produced a well-timed assist for Daniel Msendami, who kept his composure to slot home the winning goal and complete an impressive first-half turnaround.
Pirates protected their advantage throughout the second half, defending with discipline to secure an encouraging 2-1 victory that continues their positive preparations for the upcoming domestic campaign.
Momentum Building in Spain
The victory follows Pirates’ opening pre-season fixture against Córdoba CF, where they fought back to earn a 1-1 draw through Boitumelo Radiopane’s late equaliser.
With confidence growing, the Buccaneers remain in Spain for another week, where three more friendly matches are scheduled before they return home for the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The performances suggest a side steadily finding rhythm, balance and confidence ahead of another demanding campaign.
Chiefs End Tour with More Questions Than Answers
For Kaizer Chiefs, however, the final whistle brought another frustrating evening.
Amakhosi fell 2-0 behind against Elche CF and faced an uphill battle before producing a brief moment of inspiration.
Asanele Velebayi gave Chiefs hope after winning possession just outside the penalty area, weaving past several defenders and firing an unstoppable shot into the back of the net.
His superb solo effort reduced the deficit and briefly lifted the team’s intensity, but Chiefs were unable to find the equaliser despite pushing forward in the closing stages.
The 2-1 defeat marked their second loss of the Spanish tour after earlier falling to Al Khalood, leaving the club with valuable lessons to address before the new season begins.
Focus Turns to the Betway Premiership
With their overseas preparations now complete, Kaizer Chiefs will return to South Africa to continue fine-tuning their squad before the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, remain in Spain with three more matches to build momentum and sharpen combinations before their competitive campaign gets underway.
While pre-season results do not determine what lies ahead, Saturday’s performances painted two very different pictures. Pirates left the pitch with growing belief and renewed confidence, while Chiefs return home knowing there is still significant work to be done before the real battles begin.
