Orlando Pirates Set for CAF Champions League Group Stage Challenge

South African football giants Orlando Pirates have officially discovered their path in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League following the group stage draw held in Cairo this Wednesday. The Soweto-based club, which secured its spot in the competition after a dominant aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars, now faces a demanding road ahead in Group C.

The draw has placed the Buccaneers in a competitive pool featuring Renaissance Berkane of Morocco, Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC, and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive. This group presents a significant test for the South African representatives as they look to navigate their way into the tournament's knockout phases.

A notable subplot in the upcoming fixtures is the reunion with Simba SC, who are currently managed by South African tactician Steve Barker. Furthermore, the group includes a challenging encounter against Renaissance Berkane, a side with a strong history against South African opposition, having previously faced the Pirates in the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup final.

To advance to the quarter-finals, Orlando Pirates must finish as one of the top two teams in their group. The continental campaign is set to kick off in late November, with the club carrying the hopes of South African supporters as they aim to make a deep run in Africa’s premier club competition.