Orlando Pirates will get their first real test in the CAF Champions League when they play Congolese side Saint Eloi Lupopo this Sunday.
The Buccaneers travel to DR Congo to play St Lupopo at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash. A win or draw for Abdeslam Ouaddou will put the Sea Robbers in a good position going into the second leg.
Pirates reached the second preliminary round after demolishing Lioli 7-0 on aggregate. They now face stronger opposition capable of causing an upset.
Orlando Pirates facing tricky CAF fixture
Chippa United head coach Luc Eymael warned that travelling to Lubumbashi could be tricky for the MTN8 champions. The 66-year-old Belgian mentor coached Lupopo during the 2024/25 season and is the reason why they compete.
“First of all, we qualified Lupopo for the Champions League,” Eymael told Soccer Laduma.
“If I’m right, the first game will be in Lupopo, and it will not be easy for Pirates to go there and get a positive result. The stadium will be full, and the fans will be the 13th man of the team. Also, it’s an artificial pitch, and the environment will be a bit hostile for Pirates but very positive for Lupopo.”
Eymael said Orlando Pirates should brace themselves for hostility on Sunday.
“It’s not just the fans. The pitch, the noise, and the passion – all of that makes it a difficult place to play.
“Pirates will feel it. Lupopo have also made some changes since I left, both tactically and in terms of personnel,” he said.
Orlando Pirates have not always found success in the CAF Champions League. Two years ago, they bowed out in the preliminary round after going down to Jwaneng Galaxy.