The draw for the CAF Champions League group stages took place in Cairo today, with Orlando Pirates learning their opponents.
The Buccaneers are the only Premier Soccer League team left in the competition after the shock elimination of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns following their 1-1 aggregate draw vs Wiliete SC.
Pirates themselves made light work of African Stars, beating them 5-0 on aggregate to ease into the group stages after last season’s early exit.
Despite Sundowns and record champions Al Ahly not in this year’s group stages, with the latter failing to qualify for the preliminary rounds and instead entering the CAF Confederation Cup, it’s quite a competitive field.
There are two more South African coaches in the competition, with Rulani Mokwena at Pyramids SC and Steve Barker at Simba SC.
And in a fun twist, Pirates will face former Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker’s Simba in Group C, alongside Moroccan giants RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive of Cameroon.
Full CAFCL group stage draw:
Group A:
- Esperance
- Petro Atletico
- FC Nouadhibou
- Wiliete SC
Group B:
- Zamelek
- Young Africans
- MC Alger
- Club Africain
Group C:
- RS Berkane
- Simba SC
- Orlando Pirates
- Colombe Sportive
Group D:
- Pyramids
- Al Hilal
- Horoya
- MAS de Fes
Matchday one of the group stages is scheduled for 27-29 November, with the group stages finishing on 22-24 January 2027.