Both South African teams successfully advanced through their preliminary matches, with Pirates defeating Namibian side African Stars and Durban City overcoming Mauritius’ AS Port Louis 2000 to secure their spots in the group stages of their respective tournaments.

However, it was a weekend filled with significant upsets for other South African clubs competing on the continental stage. The defending CAF Champions League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, faced an unexpected exit on Friday, eliminated on away goals by Angolan team Wiliete SC after a 1-1 draw in Pretoria.

On the same evening, Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup after falling to Zambian side Red Arrows in a penalty shootout at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Orlando Pirates, who triumphed in Africa in 1995, find themselves in Group C of the CAF Champions League. The Buccaneers will face a tough journey ahead against Moroccan powerhouses RS Berkane, Tanzanian side Simba SC led by Steve Barker, and Cameroonian club Colombe Sportive.

The matchup against RS Berkane is particularly important for Pirates, as it provides an opportunity for revenge after the Moroccan team defeated them in a penalty shootout during the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup final in Uyo, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Durban City FC is set to make their historic debut in Group B of the CAF Confederation Cup. The club from Durban will face a tough travel itinerary, taking on Moroccan heavyweights AS FAR Rabat, Tanzanian side Azam SC, and Libyan club Al Ahli Tripoli.