Orlando Pirates drawn with Steve Barker’s Simba SC in Champions League

Orlando Pirates will meet former Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker after being drawn against his Simba SC side in the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Buccaneers are the only South African club remaining in the competition after holders Mamelodi Sundowns failed to reach the group phase. They have been placed in Group C alongside Tanzanian club Simba SC, Moroccan giants RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive of Cameroon.

The draw sets up a reunion between Pirates and Barker, who is now in charge of Simba SC after previously coaching Stellenbosch.

Pirates reached the group stage without major difficulty. They eliminated La Cure Waves SC of Mauritius in the first round before recording a 5-0 aggregate victory over African Stars of Namibia.

They will aim to maintain that form when the group campaign begins, with qualification for the knockout stage their objective against opposition from across the continent.

The group matches are scheduled to begin late in November. The opening fixtures are due to be played over the weekend of 27-29, although the exact match dates and kick-off times have yet to be confirmed.

Pirates’ progress comes after Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending champions, failed to qualify for the group stages. That leaves the Buccaneers as South Africa’s sole representatives in the CAF Champions League group phase.

Durban City face difficult Confederation Cup draw

Durban City were given a demanding Group B assignment in the Confederation Cup.

They will face AS Far of Morocco, Tanzanian club Azam and Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya.

The draw means Durban City will also encounter opposition from three different countries as they begin their Confederation Cup campaign.