Orlando Pirates drawn with Simba SC in CAF Champions League Group C

Orlando Pirates now know their opponents in the group stage of the CAF Champions League. The draw was held in Cairo on Wednesday, according to iDiski Times.

The Buccaneers were placed in Group C with Simba SC of Tanzania, Moroccan side RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive of Cameroon.

Pirates the lone PSL representative

Pirates are the only Premier Soccer League team still in the competition. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated after a 1-1 aggregate draw against Wiliete SC.

Pirates reached the group stage by beating African Stars 5-0 on aggregate. That follows an early exit from the competition last season.

The field is still a strong one, even with Sundowns out. Record champions Al Ahly are also missing. According to the report, they failed to qualify for the preliminary rounds and instead entered the CAF Confederation Cup.

South African coaches in the mix

Two other South African coaches are involved. Rulani Mokwena is at Pyramids SC and Steve Barker is at Simba SC. Barker is a former Stellenbosch FC coach, so Pirates will face him in Group C.

The full draw is as follows:

• Group A: Esperance, Petro Atletico, FC Nouadhibou, Wiliete SC
• Group B: Zamalek, 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

Dates for supporters to note

Matchday one of the group stage is scheduled for 27 to 29 November. The group stage ends on 22 to 24 January 2027.

Fans planning to follow Pirates through the group stage can already mark those windows in their calendars. The source does not give individual fixture dates, venues or kick-off times for Pirates, so supporters should watch for confirmation from the club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before making any travel or ticket plans.

This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.