Orlando Pirates can start preparing for their first tilt at the Caf Champions League in five years. Here are their confirmed fixtures.
Orlando Pirates begin Caf Champions League quest in Algeria
Pirates are back in Africa’s premier club competition after successfully negotiating a playoff tie with Jwaneng Galaxy. The Buccaneers will kick off a tasty-looking Group C with a trip to Algerian champions Belouizdad on Saturday 26 November. There, they’re likely to renew acquaintances with former Cape Town City star Khanyisa Mayo. Pirates are brimming with confidence after winning yet another trophy under Jose Riveiro; this time they beat Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final.
The Al Ahly challenge is as stern as it gets in Africa
Jose Riveiro’s side will relish a home match against defending African champions Al Ahly on the weekend of 6-8 December before rounding out 2024 with a trip to Côte d’Ivoire to face Stade D’Abidjan on the weekend of 13-15 December. Stade D’Abidjan visit Pirates on the weekend of 3-5 January 2025 before Belouizdad lands in Soweto for a meeting on the weekend of 10-12 January. Matchday 6 is arguably the toughest assignment of the entire group when Pirates meet Al Ahly in Egypt on the weekend of 17-19 January. Put that one in the diary.
Caf Champions League jersey numbers in 2024-2025
The fabled number 10 jersey, retired in domestic league competition since Jomo Sono hung his boots up, is still available in continental competition. The honour has been handed to the silky left foot of Patrick Maswanganyi. Here are the other numbers including a strange choice for prodigy playmaker Mofokeng. The 19-year-old became a bona fide star last season and is now a full Bafana Bafana international, capable of playing centrally or as a ball carrier in wide channels.
- Melusi Buthelezi – 1
- Relebohile Mofokeng – 3
- Siphelo Baloni – 22
- Patrick Maswanganyi – 10
- Thabiso Sesane – 28
Will Pirates successfully qualify from Group C?
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