Done Deal: Pirates Sign New potential and veteran Player Announce Pre-Season Tour.
Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of a new player, Delvi Miguel Vieira, popularly known as Gilberto, on a three-year deal. The 23-year-old joins the club after an impressive season with Angolan Girabola champions Petro du Luanda and a remarkable performance at the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he helped guide Angola to the quarterfinals.
Gilberto is expected to join the squad for the pre-season tour in Spain from July 8. Orlando Pirates will begin their pre-season campaign against English Championship side Plymouth Argyle on July 12. The club will then take on La Liga outfit Sevilla on July 15 and Qatar Stars League outfit Al Sadd SC on July 19.
Orlando Pirates are returning to Europe for a three-match tour in Spain, following a successful pre-season tour last year that saw them play against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Las Palmas, and Independiente del Valle. The club is expected to announce new signings before they head to Spain for the pre-season tour.
The pre-season tour will be an opportunity for the new player to get familiar with the team and for the coaches to test their squad ahead of the new season. The tour will also provide an opportunity for the team to build on their success last season, where they won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
The signing of Gilberto and the announcement of the pre-season tour is a clear indication that Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a competitive season. The club is expected to challenge for all available trophies, including the Premier Soccer League title.
Orlando Pirates vs. Plymouth Argyle
Orlando Pirates will begin their pre-season campaign against Plymouth Argyle on July 12. Plymouth Argyle, also known as The Pilgrims, competes in the English Championship and has recently appointed Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney as their new manager.
Wayne Rooney has expressed his excitement about joining Plymouth Argyle, stating that it’s an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. He has already started building a squad of players to play expansive football and entertain the Green Army.
Orlando Pirates vs. Sevilla
On July 15, Orlando Pirates will take on La Liga outfit Sevilla. Sevilla is one of the most successful teams in the UEFA Cup/Europa League, with seven titles to their name, most recently in 2023. The club is currently managed by Quique Sanchez Flores, who was appointed on December 18, 2023.
Orlando Pirates vs. Al Sadd SC
The final match of the pre-season tour will be against Al Sadd SC on July 19. Al Sadd SC is regarded as the best team in Qatar and has a winning tradition, passionate fan base, and talented players that make them a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Key Players to Watch
Gilberto, the new signing, is expected to make an impact in the pre-season tour. Other key players to watch include Akram Afif, who scored 26 goals in 22 matches for Al Sadd SC, and Wayne Rooney, who is expected to bring his experience and skills to Plymouth Argyle.
The signing of Gilberto and the announcement of the pre-season tour is a clear indication that Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a competitive season. The club is expected to challenge for all available trophies, including the Premier Soccer League title. The pre-season tour will be an opportunity for the new player to get familiar with the team and for the coaches to test their squad ahead of the new season.
