Orlando Pirates Face Tough CAF Champions League Group C Challenge

Orlando Pirates have discovered their opponents and fixtures for the CAF Champions League group stage following the draw in Cairo, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou facing a challenging campaign against Simba SC, RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive in Group C.

The Buccaneers will need consistency and strong performances both home and away to secure qualification for the knockout stages. Their opponents bring different strengths and experience, making every match crucial in the race for the quarter-finals.

Pirates will begin their campaign away against Tanzanian giants Simba SC, coached by former Orlando Pirates mentor Steve Barker. The opening fixture presents a difficult test, but a positive result could provide Ouaddou's men with valuable momentum.

The Soweto giants will then host Moroccan outfit RS Berkane at Orlando Amstel Arena on matchday two. Pirates will hope to use their home advantage to collect maximum points against a side known for its competitiveness in African football.

Their next two fixtures will be against Cameroonian club Colombe Sportive. Pirates will travel to Cameroon for the first encounter before welcoming the same opponents to South Africa on matchday four. These back-to-back meetings could significantly influence the group's standings.

On matchday five, the Buccaneers will host Simba SC in a potentially decisive encounter before concluding their group-stage campaign away against RS Berkane in Morocco.

The opening round of matches is scheduled for November 27–29, 2026, with the final round taking place from January 22–24, 2027.

With domestic commitments also demanding attention, Ouaddou must manage his squad carefully to maintain performance levels across competitions. Pirates will need to collect points consistently, particularly away from home, if they are to progress.

Their opening match against Simba SC could provide an early indication of their readiness for the challenge ahead, while the final trip to Morocco could prove decisive in determining their qualification hopes.

Source:

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/pirates-cafcl-fixtures-confirmed-2/