Victorious Bolton Wanderers expose Orlando Pirates' set-piece defence frailties

Orlando Pirates experienced a tough start to their pre-season campaign, falling 2-0 to English League One side Bolton Wanderers in a friendly match at the Marbella Sports Centre in Spain on Friday.

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.

Bolton had their moment in the 10th minute when centre-back Josh Dacres-Cogley sent a header just over the crossbar. However, it was the English side that would first find the net, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Pirates. Just before half-time, Charlie Warren scored in the 40th minute after a failed clearance from a free-kick caught goalkeeper Sipho Chaine off guard.

After the break, Ouaddou made wholesale changes, introducing a new XI in hopes of reviving the contest. Sinoxolo Kwayiba had a promising chance early on, combining well with Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, but the equaliser remained elusive.

In the 62nd minute, Bolton struck again from a set piece. Former Scotland youth international George Johnston found himself unmarked to nod the ball home at the far post, extending the deficit to 2-0 for the Buccaneers. As the second half unfolded, Pirates struggled to create meaningful goal-scoring opportunities, facing strong resistance from a determined Bolton side.

In the dying moments of the match, midfielder Masindi Nemtajela’s attempt was deflected out for a corner, and a long-range effort from Kwayiba flew over the crossbar, signalling the end of a frustrating afternoon for the South Africans.

Ouaddou would have identified Pirates' defensive frailties at set-piece time when their lack of height seemed a problem. Pirates concede both goals from dead-ball situations, a worrying trend that raises questions about the team’s defensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, Ouaddou may have tasted defeat in his Pirates debut match, but he was victorious in a long-standing legal battle with his former club, AS Vita.

FIFA’s verdict, delivered in response to a case lodged by Ouaddou, compels AS Vita to pay the coach a hefty sum of $180,000 (approximately R3.2 million). This compensation covers unpaid wages and bonuses that Ouaddou has claimed since he was wrongfully dismissed from the club in October 2024.

The implications of this ruling extend far beyond a personal victory for the coach; they cast a shadow over AS Vita’s operational viability. In addition to the financial burden imposed by the compensation, AS Vita now faces a transfer ban until the owed amount is settled.