Orlando Pirates begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign in Mauritius this weekend, with the Buccaneers facing La Cure Waves in the first preliminary round.
The reigning South African champions travel to Mauritius for the first leg on Sunday, 6 September, looking to take an important step towards reaching the main stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
The match will be played at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre, with kick-off scheduled for 13:30 South African time.
On paper, Pirates enter the tie as overwhelming favourites. However, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be aware that continental football can produce surprises, particularly when teams underestimate unfamiliar opposition.
Pirates Begin Continental Campaign in Mauritius
Orlando Pirates have been drawn against La Cure Waves, the reigning champions of Mauritius.
The first meeting gives the Buccaneers an opportunity to establish control of the tie before the return fixture in South Africa.
The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, 12 September, at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00.
A positive result in Mauritius would give Pirates a major advantage heading into the return match.
The Buccaneers will also be looking to avoid unnecessary complications as they attempt to balance their CAF commitments with a demanding domestic schedule.
Why Are Pirates Starting in the Preliminary Round?
Despite being South African champions, Pirates must navigate the Champions League qualifying rounds before they can reach the group-stage equivalent of the competition.
CAF uses club rankings to determine the seeding of teams, and Pirates were ranked 19th on the continent, meaning they were not among the clubs granted a bye into the second preliminary round.
Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis and RS Berkane are among the teams that received byes into the next stage.
For Pirates, that means the route to the main tournament begins earlier — and there is little room for error over the two legs.
Who Are La Cure Waves?
La Cure Waves are based in Port Louis, Mauritius, and will be making their first appearance in the CAF Champions League.
The club earned its place in the competition after winning its first Mauritian National Super League title during the 2025/26 season.
They also lifted a pre-season cup ahead of the new campaign.
However, one potential disadvantage for La Cure Waves is match sharpness.
The Mauritian league is not scheduled to resume until November, meaning the club has not been playing regular competitive league football at the same level as Pirates.
That lack of competitive action could become an important factor across the two legs.
Pirates Must Avoid Complacency
The difference in experience and resources makes Orlando Pirates strong favourites, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou still faces an important tactical challenge.
With domestic matches also coming thick and fast, squad rotation could become crucial.
Pirates strengthened their squad during the transfer window, adding 10 new players, giving Ouaddou more options as he attempts to manage the workload.
The coach will need to strike the right balance between fielding a strong enough side to secure progression and protecting key players for the club’s domestic commitments.
The Real Challenge Could Come in Round Two
If Pirates overcome La Cure Waves as expected, the level of opposition is likely to increase significantly.
The Buccaneers could face either AS Mangasport of Gabon or African Stars of Namibia in the second preliminary round.
Both clubs would represent a considerably tougher test.
AS Mangasport are one of Gabon’s most successful clubs, having won the country’s Championnat National D1 title multiple times, including last season.
African Stars, meanwhile, recently secured their fourth Namibia Premiership title and strengthened their squad with the addition of South African player Lyema Dopolo.
That potential second-round encounter is where Pirates’ continental campaign could face its first major examination.
CAF Champions League First-Round Schedule
First Leg
La Cure Waves vs Orlando Pirates
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, Mauritius
13:30 SA time
Second Leg
Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Orlando Stadium, South Africa
15:00 SA time
How Far Can Pirates Go?
Orlando Pirates will enter the tie with expectations of progressing, but the club’s ambitions extend far beyond the first preliminary round.
The Buccaneers want to establish themselves as a serious force in African football, and reaching the main stage of the CAF Champions League will be an important first objective.
A professional performance in Mauritius could put Pirates firmly in control of the tie.
But with potentially tougher opposition waiting in the next round, Ouaddou’s team will know that the real test may only begin after La Cure Waves.
For now, the mission is simple: get the job done in Mauritius, finish the tie at home and take another step towards continental glory.
