After Orlando Pirates were knocked out of the CAF Champions League, many football fans and neutrals believe they will now feature in the CAF Confederations Cup this season, but that is not the case.
The Buccaneers suffered a shock elimination at the hands of Morena Ramoreboli’s Jwaneng Galaxy, who beat the Soweto Giants after penalties.
The tie had ended 1-1 on aggregate after Evidence Makgopa had cancelled out Jwaneng’s first-leg goal in the second half at Orlando Stadium.
But after Relebohile Mofokeng missed his spot-kick and Jwaneng converted all of their’s Pirates CAF Champions League journey ended before the group stages.
But it’s not only Pirates’ CAFCL journey that ended, the Buccaneers will also not “drop down” to the CAF Confederations Cup after CAF adjusted their rules to accommodate the African Football League.
Instead of having a play-off round for the CAFCC, Pirates are simply eliminated from CAF inter-club competitions this season, after CAF scrapped the additional round this campaign.
“The Executive Committee also approved the cancellation of the additional second preliminary of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup,” CAF said via a statement in July.
“This means that the 16 winning Clubs of the Second Preliminary round will qualify to the Group Stage of both the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2023-2024 season.”
So far, Mamelodi Sundowns are among the 11 teams that have booked their tickets for the CAF Champions League, while SuperSport United will represent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sekhukhune United can join Matsatsantsa, if they can defend their 3-1 first-leg lead at Eloi Saint-Lupopo on Sunday.
