Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has highlighted the importance of the CAF Champions League as the Buccaneers prepare for this season’s continental campaign.
Pirates were knocked out of the competition in the second preliminary round last season. They have, once again, made it their important objective this time around.
The Buccaneers have made an impressive start domestically, sitting top of the Betway Premiership standings with 13 points from their opening five matches.
They have also reached the MTN8 final for a fifth consecutive year, with Mamelodi Sundowns awaiting them on 10 October.
Pirates begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign away to Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the first preliminary round on Sunday.
“We have some games before that [MTN8], I think it’s the Champions League,” said Ouaddou.
“It’s one competition that is very important for us, especially when we know last season when we went out quickly.
“So, for us, it’s really, really important. And after, we will have time to think to the MTN8.”
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