Wanderers expose Pirates' set-piece defence frailties

ORLANDO Pirates experienced a tough start to their preseason campaign, falling 2-0 to English League One side Bolton Wanderers in a friendly match at the Marbella Sports Centre in Spain yesterday.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The defeat serves as a wake-up call for the Soweto giants as they embark on a series of warm-up matches intended to prepare the team for the upcoming season.

New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou implemented a 4-3-3 formation, giving debut opportunities to recent signings Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule, and Tshepang Moreni. Leading the line was Boitumelo Radiopane, who had the first chance of the match. Just three minutes in, Radiopane’s powerful strike was cleared off the line by a resolute Bolton defence.

Despite controlling much of the ball in the opening stages, Pirates struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut chances. Deon Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng looked promising on the flanks, but Bolton’s well-organised backline kept the South Africans at bay.