Steve Barker excited by Orlando Pirates reunion in CAF Champions League

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker says he is looking forward to facing Orlando Pirates after the Tanzanian giants were drawn against the South African side in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

Simba have been placed in Group C alongside Pirates, Moroccan club RS Berkane and Cameroonian outfit Colombe Sportive in what promises to be a competitive battle for qualification to the knockout stages.

Barker is familiar with Pirates, having faced the Soweto-based club on several occasions during his time as a coach in South Africa, particularly during his spell in charge of Stellenbosch FC.

The former University of Pretoria, Mpumalanga Black Aces and AmaZulu FC coach is now relishing the opportunity to renew his rivalry with the Buccaneers on the continental stage.

“I am excited to be playing against Orlando Pirates. I have had many battles against them back in South Africa,” Barker said, according to The Guardian, as quoted by Flashscore.

He also acknowledged the quality of the South African champions, describing them as a strong opponent following their success in the domestic league last season.

“They are also a really good team, having won the Premiership in South Africa last season.

“If you want to reach the latter stages of these tournaments, you have to get through the group stages, regardless of the opposition you have.

“We have to find a way to ensure that we qualify for the knockout stages,” he added.

The group-stage campaign is scheduled to begin later this month, with Simba hoping to navigate a difficult group and secure a place in the last eight.

Pirates, meanwhile, will be determined to make a strong impression in their return to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition as they seek to translate their domestic success into continental glory.