Orlando Pirates have discovered their opponents and schedule for the CAF Champions League group stage following the draw held in Cairo, with the Buccaneers facing a challenging journey as they look to progress to the knockout rounds.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side have been placed in Group C alongside Tanzanian club Simba SC, Moroccan giants RS Berkane and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive. The draw presents Pirates with a demanding test against teams from different footballing backgrounds, and they will need consistent performances to secure qualification.

The Soweto giants will begin their group-stage campaign away from home against Simba SC, who are coached by former Orlando Pirates mentor Steve Barker. The opening fixture will be an important opportunity for Pirates to establish themselves early in the competition.

Pirates will then return home to face RS Berkane at the Orlando Amstel Arena on matchday two. The Moroccan side are expected to provide a difficult challenge, making home advantage potentially important for the Buccaneers.

The fixtures will then see Pirates face Colombe Sportive in consecutive matches. They will travel to Cameroon for the first meeting on matchday three before welcoming the same opponents to South Africa on matchday four.

On matchday five, Pirates will host Simba SC in a fixture that could have a significant influence on the group's final standings. They will then conclude their group-stage campaign with an away match against RS Berkane in Morocco.

The opening round of group-stage fixtures is scheduled for 27 to 29 November, while the sixth and final matchday will take place between 22 and 24 January 2027. Pirates will be hoping to collect enough points throughout the campaign to secure a place in the next round.

PSL chairperson Irvin Khoza has reportedly stopped an investigation into last season's DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Orbit College FC. Some league executives had allegedly suspected that money changed hands between the two clubs and wanted the fixture examined. Khoza is said to have halted the process after concluding that the rumours were untrue. No evidence of wrongdoing has been presented, and neither club has been accused of any offence.

As Pirates prepare for their continental campaign, their attention will be firmly on delivering strong performances against their Group C opponents. Balancing domestic commitments with the demands of African competition will also be important as the season progresses.

The Buccaneers have ambitions of making a deep run in the CAF Champions League, but they will need to demonstrate consistency both at home and away. Their opening match against Simba SC will provide an early indication of how well they can handle the pressure of the group stage.

With a demanding trip to Morocco awaiting them in the final round, Pirates will be keen to avoid leaving their qualification hopes until the last matchday. Every point could prove valuable in a group that promises competitive encounters.

Source: IDiskiTimes