Orlando Pirates Face Steve Barker’s Simba SC in Tough CAF Champions League Group

Orlando Pirates have been handed a challenging assignment in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after being drawn against Tanzanian giants Simba SC, coached by former Stellenbosch FC manager Steve Barker, in Group C.

The Buccaneers will also face Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stages of Africa’s premier club competition.

The draw has created an intriguing South African connection, with Barker overseeing a Simba squad that includes several familiar faces from the Premier Soccer League.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United attacker Keletso Makgalwa has already made an impact during Simba’s qualifying campaign. He scored in both legs of their emphatic 9-1 aggregate victory over Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto.

Simba also have former Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck and midfielder Neo Maema in their ranks, giving Barker valuable experience and quality as he prepares for a demanding group-stage campaign.

The Tanzanian outfit enter the competition in impressive form after recording a convincing qualification victory and making a strong start to their domestic season. Their performances suggest Pirates will have to be at their best when the two teams meet.

Barker has already made his ambitions clear, expressing his desire to guide Simba beyond the group stage and into the knockout rounds. He acknowledged that the level of competition would increase significantly against some of the continent’s strongest clubs.

For Pirates, the challenge extends beyond their meeting with Simba. RS Berkane are expected to provide one of the toughest tests in Group C. The Moroccan club have established themselves as a competitive force in African football and possess the experience required to navigate difficult continental fixtures.

Their organisation, tactical discipline and continental pedigree make them serious contenders for qualification, meaning Pirates cannot afford to underestimate them.

Colombe Sportive could offer the Buccaneers their best opportunity to collect maximum points. The Cameroonian side have qualified for the group stage but are making their maiden appearance at this level, leaving them with a major challenge against more experienced opponents.

Nevertheless, Pirates will need to approach every fixture with concentration and respect.

The Soweto giants booked their place in the group stage with an impressive 5-0 aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars, demonstrating their ability to deliver convincing performances on the continental stage.

Under Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates will now be expected to carry that momentum into a group that offers little room for complacency. Their attacking quality and experience could prove decisive, but consistency across all six matches will be essential.

Home matches will be particularly important, with the Buccaneers needing to make the most of their support in Soweto while also targeting valuable away points.

The encounter against Simba promises to be especially interesting, given Barker’s previous involvement in South African football and the presence of several former PSL players in his squad.

Ultimately, Group C presents Pirates with a difficult but realistic route towards the knockout stages. RS Berkane and Simba are likely to provide their strongest competition, while Colombe could also make life uncomfortable for the more established clubs.

For the Buccaneers, the objective will be clear: collect maximum points where possible and avoid costly mistakes against direct qualification rivals.

Pirates have the quality to progress, but they will need to demonstrate the consistency and discipline required to compete with Africa’s best.

Source https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115429083014123525?a=B9MJyjjlPx-Dfr7GgxA&s=19