Orlando Pirates fans will be able to follow the Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League campaign on free-to-air television, with SABC Sport set to broadcast the team’s second preliminary-round first-leg encounter against African Stars live on SABC 2.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 15:00, at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, according to the supplied report.
The fixture offers the Betway Premiership champions another opportunity to build momentum as they pursue continental success.
SABC 2 brings Orlando Pirates’ continental campaign to fans
The announced broadcast is welcome news for supporters who want to watch Orlando Pirates in action without relying on a paid sports subscription.
Namibian champions African Stars will be the hosts on paper, but the match is taking place in Botswana because, according to the original report, Namibia does not have a stadium that meets CAF’s requirements for the fixture.
African Stars booked their place in this round after recovering from a first-leg deficit against AS Mangasport.
Pirates look to build on convincing league win
Orlando Pirates head into the continental fixture after responding positively to their MTN8 final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in a midweek Betway Premiership match, giving coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side a boost ahead of their trip to Gaborone.
However, Pirates could have a selection concern on the left wing. Midfielder of the Season Oswin Appollis was stretchered off during the win over TS Galaxy and faces a late fitness assessment, according to the supplied report.
Ghampani Lungu and Kabelo Kgositsile are named as possible alternatives should Appollis be unavailable.
A reminder of Pirates’ CAF Champions League history
Orlando Pirates made history in 1995 when they became the first South African club to win the continental competition, then known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs.
Pirates beat ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast 1-0 in Abidjan after drawing the first leg 2-2 in Johannesburg. Their achievement remained unmatched by another South African club until Mamelodi Sundowns won the title in 2016.
That history adds to the expectations surrounding Pirates whenever they compete on the continent.
Pirates’ recent CAF Champions League record
The Buccaneers’ most recent continental campaign ended in the second preliminary round of the 2025/26 competition.
After beating Lioli FC 7-0 on aggregate, Pirates were eliminated by FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo. The teams finished level at 3-3 on aggregate, with Lupopo advancing after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory, according to the results in the supplied report.
Pirates’ recent campaigns have included a semi-final appearance in 2024/25 and an earlier second-round exit against Jwaneng Galaxy in 2023/24. They competed in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2022/23 rather than the Champions League.
How far can Orlando Pirates go this season?
With the match against African Stars approaching, Pirates will be aiming to take a positive step towards the next stage of the competition. The live SABC 2 broadcast will also give supporters an opportunity to follow the team’s progress.
How far do you think Orlando Pirates will go in the CAF Champions League this season? Share your prediction with fellow Buccaneers fans.
