Orlando Pirates are set to begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign at one of the Indian Ocean region’s most impressive sporting venues.
The Buccaneers travel to Mauritius to face La Cure Sylvester SC in the first leg on Sunday, 6 September, with kick-off scheduled for 13:30 SAST.
The match will be played at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art venue reportedly built at a cost of around R800 million.
Pirates set for Mauritius challenge
Although La Cure Sylvester are based in Port Louis, their home ground does not meet CAF’s requirements for a Champions League fixture of this level.
As a result, the Mauritian champions will welcome Pirates at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre.
The venue is Mauritius’ premier international multi-sport facility, featuring a modern playing surface, media facilities and professional player amenities.
It will provide a spectacular setting for what is a historic occasion for La Cure Sylvester, who are making their first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League after completing a domestic league and cup double.
Manager Jérôme Thomas knows his amateur side faces a huge challenge against the more experienced and well-resourced Soweto giants.
Pirates arrive as favourites
Orlando Pirates enter the tie with a significant advantage in terms of continental experience, squad depth and resources.
The Buccaneers are also coming off an impressive 4-0 victory over Kruger United in the Betway Premiership, although they will have to cope with the loss of in-form winger Ghampani Lungu, who suffered an injury after scoring in that match.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be hoping his side can establish control of the tie in Mauritius before the return leg in Soweto.
The second leg is scheduled for 12 September at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with the aggregate winner advancing to face either AS Mangasport or African Stars.
For La Cure Sylvester, the occasion represents a landmark moment in the club’s history.
For Orlando Pirates, it is the beginning of another continental campaign — and an opportunity to put last season’s early exit firmly behind them.
