Pirates vs NEOM Starting XI: Marbella Friendly

Orlando Pirates have named their side for tonight's pre-season friendly against Saudi Pro League outfit NEOM at the Marbella Football Center, bringing the curtain down on their Spanish training camp. Kick-off is at 19:00 and the match is live on SuperSport channel 209, Pirates TV on YouTube, and across the club's social media platforms.

Pirates Enter Final Friendly with Mixed Record

The Buccaneers go into this one with a mixed pre-season record — two wins, a draw, and a defeat from four outings. That loss came at the hands of Al-Ittihad, two-time Asian champions, who beat Pirates 3-2. Tonight they want to leave Spain with a winning farewell. Cemran Dansin, confirmed as club captain, is named in the squad, while Tshegofatso Mofokeng's younger brother Relebohile has been catching eyes at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise — a reminder that South African talent is spreading across the continent and beyond. For Pirates, though, the focus is squarely on Marbella.

The starting XI reads: Chaine; Sibisi (c), Seema, Hotto, Sebelebele; Nduli, Mbatha; Maswanganyi, Appollis, Moremi; Ragiopane. The bench features Dladla, Zulu, Derbyshire, Ndaba, Mariko, Dansin, De Jong, Msendami, Ngwato, and Makgopa.

NEOM Facing Struggles Heading into Marbella Clash

NEOM arrive here in their own form of disarray — a goalless draw against English League One side Peterborough followed by a 2-0 defeat to Spanish Segunda División club Granada. Their XI: Bulka; Aldossary, Waleed, Zeze, Hawsawi; Aloyayri, Kone; Alburayk, Benrahma, Al Saad; Lacazette.

This is the last competitive workout before Pirates shift focus to the PSL season ahead. How they close out Spain will set the tone for what comes next.