Orlando Pirates are officially back among Africa’s elite after securing their spot in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stages.
Last season, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side were unfortunately knocked out in the second preliminary round at the hands of DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo.
This time around, the Buccaneers carry the huge responsibility of flying the South African flag alone following defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock preliminary exit.
The Sea Robbers laid down a solid foundation during the preliminary phase to reach the group stages. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side started their journey against Mauritian outfit La Cure Waves, holding them to a 0-0 draw away before getting the job done with a 3-1 victory in the return leg at Orlando Stadium.
They stepped up a gear in the second qualifying round against Namibian champions African Stars, grinding out a crucial 1-0 away win in Windhoek before putting on a masterclass in Soweto with a 4-0 second-leg victory to seal a commanding 5-0 aggregate triumph to book their spot in the group stages.
Pirates drawn in group C in CAF Champions League
Orlando Pirates have been drawn into Group C for the CAF Champions League group stages alongside Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane, Tanzanian giants Simba SC, and Cameroonian outfit Colombe Sportive.
The Buccaneers will face a familiar face in former Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker, who is now at the helm of Tanzanian giants Simba.
Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids find themselves in a competitive Group D alongside Sudanese powerhouses Al Hilal, Guinean regulars Horoya AC, and Moroccan side MAS de Fès.
Let’s take a look at the 2027/27 CAF Champions League group stages draw in full:
Group A: Esperance, Petro Atletico, FC Nouadhibou and Wiliete SC
Group B: Zamelek, Young Africans, MC Alger and Club Africain
Group C: RS Berkane, Simba SC, Orlando Pirates and Colombe Sportive
Group D: Pyramids, Al Hilal, Horoya and MAS de Fes
Matchday 1 is scheduled for the weekend of 27-29 November 2026, with the six-game group phase running through to late January 2027.
A spot in the group stage guarantees Pirates a minimum payout of around R11.6 million, while lifting the trophy comes with a massive payout of approximately R100 million.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
