Orlando Pirates have discovered their route through the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage, with the Soweto giants preparing for a challenging campaign that will take them across Africa.
The Buccaneers have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania’s Simba SC, Moroccan side RS Berkane and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive DL. Their group-stage schedule, running from November 2026 to January 2027, includes demanding away trips and crucial home matches as they target a place in the quarter-finals.
With six matches to navigate, every result could prove decisive in Pirates’ bid to advance to the knockout stage.
Orlando Pirates Begin Their Campaign in Tanzania
Pirates will launch their continental campaign away from home against Simba SC in Tanzania during the weekend of 27–29 November 2026.
The opening fixture presents an early test for the South African side, who will have to contend with the challenges of travelling abroad and playing in front of a passionate home crowd.
The Buccaneers will then return to Soweto for their first home match, welcoming Moroccan outfit RS Berkane during the weekend of 4–6 December.
Their December schedule continues with another trip, this time to Cameroon, where they will face Colombe Sportive DL between 18 and 20 December.
Crucial Fixtures Await in January
The new year will bring another important stretch of matches for Pirates as the group-stage race intensifies.
Colombe Sportive DL will travel to South Africa for the return fixture scheduled for 8–10 January 2027. Pirates will then host Simba SC during the weekend of 15–17 January, giving the Buccaneers another opportunity to collect valuable points on home soil.
Their group-stage campaign is scheduled to conclude in Morocco against RS Berkane between 22 and 24 January.
The final match could prove pivotal if qualification remains undecided heading into the closing round.
Full Orlando Pirates CAF Champions League Fixtures
Here is the Buccaneers’ published group-stage schedule:
- Matchday 1: Simba SC vs Orlando Pirates — 27–29 November 2026
- Matchday 2: Orlando Pirates vs RS Berkane — 4–6 December 2026
- Matchday 3: Colombe Sportive DL vs Orlando Pirates — 18–20 December 2026
- Matchday 4: Orlando Pirates vs Colombe Sportive DL — 8–10 January 2027
- Matchday 5: Orlando Pirates vs Simba SC — 15–17 January 2027
- Matchday 6: RS Berkane vs Orlando Pirates — 22–24 January 2027
The exact match dates and kick-off times should be confirmed through official competition announcements.
What Do Pirates Need to Reach the Quarter-finals?
The Buccaneers will need consistent performances across all six group matches to secure progress. Finishing in either of the top two positions in Group C will be essential to keeping their continental ambitions alive.
Travelling to Tanzania, Cameroon and Morocco adds another layer of difficulty, while their home fixtures could provide a valuable platform for building momentum.
Pirates supporters will be hoping their team can rise to the challenge and make a strong statement on the continental stage.
Can Orlando Pirates qualify for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals? Share your predictions and tell us which fixture you think will be the toughest for the Buccaneers.
