Saïd Benrahma Strikes As Christophe Galtier’s NEOM SC Edges Pirates

Orlando Pirates suffered their second defeat of their pre-season tour in Spain, falling 1–0 to Saudi Arabian side NEOM SC at the Marbella Football Centre on Friday.

It was an uninspiring display from the Soweto giants, who struggled to create clear-cut chances and rarely threatened NEOM’s goal. Despite the loss, the camp in Spain provided valuable match sharpness ahead of a demanding 2026/27 campaign.

Pirates clearly missed the creative spark of Relebohile Mofokeng, following his transfer to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Meanwhile, star playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi played the full 90 minutes as they tried him in the number 10 but looked a shadow of the player who dominated two seasons ago.

The pre-season tour served as vital conditioning for the Buccaneers, who enter the new season aiming to defend their domestic treble, headlined by their first Betway Premiership title since the 2011/12 campaign.

The Sea Robbers faced a formidable NEOM side boasting former Arsenal and Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette—an FA Cup and Community Shield winner during his time in London—and managed by former PSG boss Christophe Galtier.

NEOM almost capitalized early in the 10th minute when Thalente Mbatha was muscled off the ball, but Pirates escaped unpunished. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side responded with a golden opportunity of their own when Tshepang Moremi broke free, only to lift his shot over the crossbar.

NEOM broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Saïd Benrahma beat Sipho Chaine with a directly curled free-kick at the near post—a soft goal to concede for the Bafana Bafana second-choice goalkeeper.

Pirates had a chance to equalize in the second half, but Boitumelo Radiopane fired wide from close range inside the box.

The 1–0 loss concludes Pirates’ Spanish pre-season tour, which also featured a 1–1 draw against Córdoba CF, a 3–2 defeat to Al-Ittihad, and a 1–0 victory over Las Palmas.