Orlando Pirates Defend Decision to Play Israeli Team Despite Calls to Boycott

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Orlando Pirates are not backing down from the decision to play against Israeli side, Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Sea Robbers recently revealed they would complete their pre-season preparations in Europe with three friendlies.

Though they will be based in Spain, the Buccaneers will take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in their first game on July 13. The decision to play an Israeli side has not gone down well with everyone.

As noted by IOL, there were growing calls for the South African side to boycott the game in solidarity with Palestine. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Coalition (BDS) recently called for Jose Riveiro’s men to call off their fixture.

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Even staunch Pirates supporter and former cabinet minister, Ronnie Kasrils, echoed those sentiments.

Despite the recent calls to call the game off, Pirates have released a statementexplaining why the club are going to continue with the match.

With the club going ahead with the fixture, many prominent names have shared their thoughts on the upcoming game.

Sowetan LIVEreported that Build One SA (BOSA) leader, Mmusi Maimane, saw nothing wrong with Pirates' friendly against Maccabi, but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, Vusi Pikoli, has a very different view.

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