Orlando Pirates drawn with Simba SC in CAF Champions League group stage

Orlando Pirates will face Simba SC, RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive in Group C of the CAF Champions League after the group-stage draw was held in Cairo.

The Buccaneers are the only Premier Soccer League side remaining in the competition following the surprise elimination of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns were held to a 1-1 aggregate draw by Wiliete SC, bringing their continental campaign to an early end. Pirates, meanwhile, secured their place in the group stage with a 5-0 aggregate victory over African Stars.

The result represents an improvement on last season, when Pirates were knocked out at an earlier stage.

The group-stage line-up remains competitive despite the absence of both Sundowns and record champions Al Ahly. Al Ahly failed to qualify for the preliminary rounds and will instead enter the CAF Confederation Cup.

Pirates will also meet a familiar South African coaching figure in Group C. Simba SC are managed by Steve Barker, the former Stellenbosch FC coach.

Two other South African coaches are involved in this season’s CAF Champions League group stage. Rulani Mokwena is in charge of Pyramids SC, while Barker leads Simba SC.

The complete draw is:

Group A Esperance Petro Atletico FC Nouadhibou Wiliete SC

Group B Zamalek Young Africans MC Alger Club Africain

Group C RS Berkane Simba SC Orlando Pirates Colombe Sportive

Group D Pyramids Al Hilal Horoya MAS de Fes

The first round of group-stage fixtures is scheduled to take place between 27-29 November.

The group stage will conclude with matches from 22-24 January 2027.