Orlando Pirates Set for CAF Champions League Clash Against La Cure Waves
Buccaneers begin their campaign against Mauritius champions in the first round on Sunday.
The Full Story
Orlando Pirates will launch their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign this Sunday, 6 September, facing Mauritius champions La Cure Waves in the first leg of the preliminary round at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre, Mauritius. Kick-off is scheduled for 13:30 (SA time). Despite being considered overwhelming favourites based on their experience, the Buccaneers know that once in the tournament, the competition gets significantly tougher.
Pirates, who ranked 19th in CAF's club rankings, must navigate the first preliminary round to reach the group stages, necessitating victory against La Cure Waves, making their debut in the CAF Champions League after winning their first Mauritian National Super League title last season. This matchup also highlights a significant preparation gap, as the Mauritian league doesn't resume until November, leaving La Cure Waves without recent strong competition. Effective squad rotation will be a critical strategy for Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, especially since the team has bolstered its resources with ten new signings during the transfer window.
Looking to the future, if Pirates advance as expected, they will contend with either AS Mangasport of Gabon or African Stars of Namibia in the second round. The potential clash poses a substantial challenge, given both teams' competitive domestic track records. As the Pirates prepare for Sunday’s match, their focus will be not just on this fixture but also on balancing domestic league ambitions along with their continental aspirations.
The second leg of this tie is scheduled for Saturday, 12 September at the Orlando Stadium. While the invasion of an unfamiliar opponent presents its own complications, Pirates aim to establish dominance and secure their progression in the tournament; their long-term goal is to build momentum towards a successful CAF Champions League run this season. The expectations are high for the Buccaneers, not only to surpass La Cure Waves but also to use this match as a springboard for greater achievements ahead.
With their experience and new signings, fans are eager to see how far Orlando Pirates can go in this prestigious competition. Can the Buccaneers meet the challenge on Sunday and beyond? The eyes of South African football will be watching closely, as they begin this crucial journey in pursuit of continental glory. 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 SA time How far can Orlando Pirates progress in this season’s CAF Champions League?
Let us know your thoughts! Details: Orlando Pirates seek early dominance in their CAF Champions League journey against La Cure Waves this weekend. Their performance could set the tone for future matches, as they also juggle domestic commitments simultaneously. The team aims to build on its rich history in the tournament, garnering support from fans eager for a successful run.
Why It Matters
The outcome of this match will dictate not only the immediate future for Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League but also impact their domestic ambitions. Early victories are critical for establishing momentum in both competitions, highlighting their readiness to compete at the continental level.
What's Next
Orlando Pirates will head home for the second leg against La Cure Waves on 12 September after their initial clash. Should they advance, they'll face either AS Mangasport or African Stars in the next round, thus anticipating tougher competition ahead.