This encounter is in addition to the previously announced match against Saudi club Al-Ittihad, scheduled for July 25th. Both friendlies will serve to prepare Rubén de la Barrera's team for their league debut against Albacete Balompié on August 16th.
Orlando Pirates, known as 'The Buccaneers', are the current league champions in South Africa, with five titles, in addition to 10 South African Cups and one CAF Champions League. Their squad includes New Zealand midfielder André de Jong as the only non-African player, under the guidance of Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The last encounter between the two teams took place on July 17th, 2025, also in Marbella, and ended in a goalless draw. In that match, UD Las Palmas dominated the first half, while the South African team imposed their physical strength in the second, despite the expulsion of their goalkeeper Chaine.
