Orlando Pirates Carry South Africa’s Hopes Into CAF Champions League Draw
The spotlight will fall on Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday when the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage draw takes place, with Orlando Pirates set to discover their opponents in Africa’s premier club competition. The draw is scheduled to be held at the Egypt Football Association headquarters and will get underway at 13h00 South African time.
Orlando Pirates head into the draw carrying South Africa’s hopes alone after sealing qualification for the group stages in convincing fashion. The Buccaneers produced a dominant performance against Namibia’s African Stars FC, winning 4-0 in the second leg at the Orlando Amstel Arena to progress 5-0 on aggregate.
The comprehensive victory underlined Pirates’ growing confidence and continental ambitions. Having controlled the tie from start to finish, the Soweto giants secured their place among Africa’s elite clubs and will now look forward to testing themselves against some of the continent’s biggest names.
While Pirates celebrated progression, the Champions League qualifiers produced one of the biggest shocks in recent African football history. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated in the second preliminary round by Angolan newcomers Wiliete SC, ending their title defence before the group stages had even begun.
Sundowns entered the competition as favourites to mount another serious challenge for continental glory after lifting the Champions League trophy the previous season. Instead, Masandawana saw their campaign come to a stunning halt against a Wiliete side making its debut appearance in the competition.
The early elimination sent shockwaves across the continent and denied South Africa the prospect of having two representatives in the group stages. For a club of Sundowns’ stature and pedigree, the defeat ranks among the most surprising results in recent Champions League history.
As a result, Pirates will be the country’s sole representatives when the draw takes place in Cairo. The Buccaneers have been placed in Pot 3 alongside MC Alger of Algeria, FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania and Horoya AC of Guinea.
Awaiting them in Pot 1 are continental heavyweights Pyramids FC, Espérance de Tunis, Zamalek SC and RS Berkane. Pot 2 contains Al Hilal, Simba SC, Young Africans and Petro de Luanda, while Pot 4 features Club Africain, Wiliete SC, Colombe Sportive and MAS Fes.
Being placed in Pot 3 means Pirates are guaranteed to face one team from each of the remaining pots, setting up the possibility of several high-profile encounters. The draw could hand the Buccaneers challenging trips across the continent as they pursue a place in the knockout rounds.
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday’s event in Cairo. With Sundowns surprisingly absent from the group stage lineup, Orlando Pirates carry the responsibility of flying the South African flag and will be eager to prove they can compete with the best clubs Africa has to offer as their Champions League journey enters a crucial new phase.