Orlando Pirates Must Chase CAF Champions League Glory, Says Thabo Qalinge

In an exclusive interview with DISKI FANS, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabo Qalinge delivered a powerful message to the Buccaneers ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign. He stressed that continental success is not just a dream but a responsibility, describing competing for the title as an “absolute necessity” for a club of Pirates’ stature.

Qalinge urged the current squad to set their ambitions high, insisting that the team must aim to reach the finals and ultimately lift the trophy. He explained that such ambition is vital to restoring the Pirates’ reputation as one of Africa’s most dominant footballing forces. For him, the Champions League is the ultimate stage where the club must prove its strength and identity.

Last season’s campaign ended in heartbreak. Pirates’ bid to reach the group stage was cut short by St Eloi Lupopo in the second round, who advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout at Orlando Stadium. Despite overturning a heavy first-leg deficit with a spirited comeback, the Buccaneers faltered from the spot, allowing the Congolese side to progress. Qalinge believes that painful memory should serve as motivation to ensure the team does not repeat the same mistakes.

Pirates will officially begin their CAF Champions League campaign this weekend when they face Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the first preliminary round. The match is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026, at the National Sports Complex in Mauritius, with kickoff set for 13h30 (SA Time). For Qalinge, this fixture marks the start of a mission to reclaim continental pride.

As the Buccaneers prepare for the challenge, Qalinge’s words serve as both a rallying cry and a source of inspiration. The mission is straightforward: move past last season’s disappointment, embrace the weight of expectation, and fight for continental glory. For Orlando Pirates, the road ahead is demanding, but with ambition and resilience, it could also be historic.