Pirates drawn with Simba SC in CAF Champions League groups

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 The Citizen.

Pirates in Group C

The Buccaneers have been placed in Group C with RS Berkane of Morocco, Colombe Sportive of Cameroon and Tanzanian side Simba SC. Simba are coached by South African Steve Barker, so Pirates will meet a familiar name from home on the touchline.

Pirates earned their spot in the group stage by beating Namibian champions African Stars 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round.

Mokwena’s Pyramids in Group D

Another South African coach features in the draw. Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids are in Group D, where they will play Al Hilal, Horoya and MAS de Fes. MAS de Fes have former Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa on their books.

The full make-up of the four groups is as follows:

• Group A: Esperance, Petro Atletico, FC Nouadhibou and Wiliete SC
• Group B: Zamalek, Young Africans, MC Alger and Club Africain
• Group C: RS Berkane, Simba SC, Orlando Pirates and Colombe Sportive
• Group D: Pyramids FC, Al Hilal, Horoya and MAS de Fes

What it means for supporters

The first round of group matches is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 November. Pirates fans who want to follow the team should keep that window in mind. The source did not say which day Pirates will play, who their first opponent is, or where the games will be held. Those details are usually confirmed in the official fixture list.

With Barker at Simba and Mokwena at Pyramids, South African coaches will have a prominent presence in this stage of the continental competition, alongside Pirates themselves.

This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.