Orlando Pirates now know the challenge awaiting them in the opening round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
The Buccaneers will meet Mauritanian outfit La Cure Waves in the preliminary round. CAF confirmed the matchup during Thursday’s draw in Cairo, Egypt.
The Soweto giants will enter the tie as strong favourites. However, they must handle both legs carefully to avoid an early continental setback.
Pirates begin Champions League journey
Orlando Pirates will aim to settle the tie during the opening encounter. They also know progression would strengthen their push for continental success.
The two-match battle provides the first test under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Pirates will therefore want to make a strong statement from the outset.
A successful campaign could eventually take the Buccaneers into the competition’s lucrative group stage. However, La Cure Waves stand between Pirates and the next qualifying round.
The club will also hope to build momentum after last season’s disappointing exit.
Buccaneers seek redemption after penalty heartbreak
Pirates started their previous Champions League campaign in impressive fashion. They demolished Lioli FC 7-0 across their two preliminary-round matches.
The South African giants then encountered a much tougher challenge against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
Pirates suffered a 3-0 defeat during the first leg. Nevertheless, they produced an extraordinary response in the return fixture.
The Buccaneers matched that scoreline with a 3-0 victory. Consequently, the tie went to a dramatic penalty shootout.
However, Pirates eventually lost 5-4 from the spot. That result ended their Champions League ambitions before the group stage.
Now, Ouaddou will look to guide the team beyond that barrier. Pirates will consequently target a deeper run in Africa’s biggest club competition.
Their immediate mission, however, remains simple: eliminate La Cure Waves and advance.
The post Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League opponents revealed appeared first on iHarare News.
