Orlando Pirates have discovered their first opponents in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League. It was confirmed in Thursday’s preliminary round draw in Cairo, Egypt.
The Betway Premiership side will begin their continental campaign against La Cure Waves of Mauritania as they look to secure a place in the next qualifying round.
ORLANDO PIRATES FACE MAURITANIAN TEST
The Buccaneers will be favourites to progress. The two-legged encounter represents the first hurdle in their bid to reach the lucrative group stage.
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Victory over La Cure Waves would move Orlando Pirates one step closer to returning to the main phase of Africa’s premier club competition.
BUCCANEERS EYE BETTER CAF RUN
Orlando Pirates will be determined to improve on last season’s disappointing continental campaign.
The Soweto giants opened their CAF Champions League journey by thrashing Lioli FC 7-0 on aggregate in the first preliminary round.
They then faced FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the second preliminary round. After losing the first leg 3-0, the Buccaneers produced a remarkable comeback by winning the return leg 3-0.
However, Orlando Pirates suffered heartbreak in the penalty shootout. They lost 5-4 to bow out of the competition before reaching the group stage.
With Abdeslam Ouaddou now leading the club, the Buccaneers will be hoping this year’s campaign ends differently as they target a return to the CAF Champions League group stage.