When are Orlando Pirates playing their first CAF Champions League match?

Orlando Pirates came close to reaching another CAF Champions League final last season but were eliminated by eventual champions Pyramids in the semi-finals.

Under Jose Riveiro, the Buccaneers became one of the most feared teams in Southern Africa, winning five trophies in three years. Last season, Pirates looked sharp in both the Betway Premiership and CAF CL as they looked to win a treble.

Having gone unbeaten in Africa, there was optimism amongst Bucs faithful that a second elusive star might arrive in May, but that was not to be. A poor second leg display saw the Egyptian giants claim a 3-2 win at home. Orlando Pirates took the lead twice but failed to manage the game.

Can Orlando Pirates bounce back and win the CAF CL?

Under Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers have looked unsettled. Their poor defensive record this season could affect them later in the competition. Last year, the Sea Robbers looked vulnerable in setpieces and it appears they still have the same problem this year.

Who will the Buccaneers face in the CAF Champions League?

Orlando Pirates will play Lesotho outfit Lioli FC in the first round of the CAF Champions League preliminary round. The first leg will be played on 19 September, which is a way fixture for the Buccaneers. The return fixture will be played at the Orlando Stadium on 26 September.

On paper, the Buccaneers are favourites to go through to the next round. Two seasons ago, they crashed out of the second preliminary stages to Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy. Last season, however, Orlando Pirates edged out Galaxy in the same stage of the CAF Champions League.