Orlando Pirates Aim to Rewrite Painful Exit With Champions League Glory

Orlando 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).

As reigning South African champions, the Buccaneers enter the tie as strong favourites. Their domestic dominance last season — winning the Betway Premiership, the MTN8, and the Carling Knockout — has reinforced their reputation as one of Africa’s most formidable clubs. Yet continental football is unpredictable, and Pirates know they must approach the fixture with focus and discipline.

Last season’s campaign ended in heartbreak. Pirates’ bid to reach the group stage was cut short by St Eloi Lupopo, who advanced after a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout at Orlando Stadium. Despite overturning a 3–0 first-leg deficit with a spirited comeback, the Buccaneers faltered from the spot, allowing the Congolese side to progress.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be hoping to do better this season after that painful exit. His first campaign in charge showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short in Africa. Now, with the experience of last year behind him, Ouaddou is determined to guide Pirates deeper into the competition and ensure they avoid another early disappointment.

The Buccaneers’ supporters will be demanding more this time around. While domestic trophies brought joy, fans expect their team to compete among Africa’s elite. For a club of Pirates’ stature, reaching the group stage is seen as the minimum requirement, with ambitions stretching toward the latter stages of the tournament.

La Cure Waves, meanwhile, will be eager to make their mark. As Mauritian champions, they enter the tie with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Pirates must guard against complacency, as the island side will be motivated to upset one of the continent’s giants on home soil.

Sunday’s clash is more than just a preliminary round fixture — it is the beginning of a redemption arc for Ouaddou and his team. With lessons learned from last season’s heartbreak, the Buccaneers now have the chance to rewrite their story, turning disappointment into triumph as they embark on a new campaign in the CAF Champions League.