Orlando Pirates will kick off their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign this weekend with an “easy” match – on paper at least.
The Buccaneers face Mauritius champions La Cure Waves in the first-leg of the first preliminary round on Sunday, 6 September.
Kick-off at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre, Mauritius is at 13:30 (SA time).
While the Soweto giants are expected to dominate, their path to the main tournament will only get trickier from here.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Orlando Pirates’ clash this weekend.
Why must Orlando Pirates go through CAF Champions League qualifying?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League and Confederation Cup utilise club rankings to place (seed) teams.
According to this ranking, Orlando Pirates were listed as 19th on the continent.
This means the reigning South African champions still need to earn their spot in the CAF CL group stage.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who dominated the PSL until last season, received a bye into the second preliminary round.
Esperance de Tunis and RS Berkane will also bypass the first preliminary round, according to the CAF website.
Who are La Cure Waves?
La Cure Waves, who are based in Port Louis, are making their first appearance in the CAF CL, after winning their first Mauritian National Super League title in 2025/26.
They also won a pre-season cup, facing the country’s under-20 side and fellow league club AS Port-Louis 2000.
One of the comparisons has been the preparation gap between the clubs.
Mauritius’s league only returns in November, meaning La Cure Waves have not faced truly strong opposition in some time.
While anything can happen, Orlando Pirates are overwhelming favourites to win on Sunday, and again at the Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday, 12 September in the second leg (15:00).
Orlando Pirates need to balance squad rotation
Squad management will be crucial for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
He will need to rotate his players effectively to keep the team fresh and to maintain Orlando Pirates’ domestic ambitions.
Fortunately, the Buccaneers have been strengthened during the transfer window, with 10 new signings confirmed.
The biggest questions for Orlando Pirates should come in the second CAF Champions League preliminary round.
If the team advances, as expected, they will face either AS Mangasport of Gabon or African Stars of Namibia.
Both of those teams will provide a much stiffer challenge.
AS Mangasport have won the country’s Championnat National D1 10 times since 2000, having defended the title last season.
African Stars won the Namibia Premiership for the fourth time, and bolstered their squad with the signing of South Africa’s Lyema Dopolo last month.
CAF CL first preliminary round details
Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves
First leg: Sunday, 6 September, Côte d’Or National Sports Complex – 13:30 (SA time)
Second leg: Saturday, 12 September, Orlando Stadium – 15:00
How far will Orlando Pirates progress in this season’s CAF Champions League?
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