Orlando Pirates will not boycott pre-season friendly against Israeli giants

Orlando Pirates will not boycott their upcoming fixture against Israel-based outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv, despite calls to cancel the friendly match.

The team is currently in Spain for a pre-season camp from 9 July - 21 July, where they will play Tel Aviv (13 July) including, Independiente del Valle from Ecuador (15 July) and UD Las Palmas from Spain (19 July).

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Coalition (BDS), a Palestinian-led movement, urged Pirates to cancel the match due to alleged human rights abuses by Israel against Palestinians.

In response, the Buccaneers released a statement explaining their decision to proceed with the fixture.

The Burden of Leadership – Orlando Pirates Belong To All

From time to time, we the leadership of Orlando Pirates Football Club find ourselves having to communicate publicly on subjects other than those of football in the field of play. When we do, we do so reluctantly because of our understanding and respect that Orlando Pirates belong to all. Whereas it is easy for those that have taken sides and adopted causes to make calls and demands, we do not enjoy such latitude. Solutions we seek need to be inclusive and arrived at through putting of heads together rather than apart. 

We Will Not Hide Behind The Facts

It would be easier to respond by merely stating the facts, but that would be contrary to Orlando Pirates’ values and rich history. The facts are: Orlando Pirates is participating in a pre-season camp organised by a FIFA Match Agent involving numerous clubs from Africa, Asia, Europe and Middle East. Orlando Pirates has no hand in organising the event. In fact, Orlando Pirates needed to fulfil a criteria qualifying us to participate. Orlando Pirates had no liaisons with any