Orlando Pirates face packed October as CAF, league and cup tests loom
Transformed: At the heart of Orlando Pirates' current momentum is coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has made an immediate impact since taking charge.
Image: Orlando Pirates on Facebook
OCTOBER is shaping up to be a real examination of Orlando Pirates’ endurance and squad depth, with four high-stakes fixtures squeezed into just over a fortnight.
First up is a demanding CAF Champions League encounter in Lubumbashi, where the Buccaneers will take on Saint Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo — a test that could set the tone for the rest of their month.
From there, the Soweto side will switch focus between Betway Premiership duties, more continental action, and a Carling Knockout assignment, ensuring little time for rest or rotation.
Eyes on continental glory
While the domestic schedule is busy, it’s the CAF Champions League that truly captures the imagination at Orlando Stadium. Beyond its prestige, the competition’s financial incentives are significant — far surpassing what’s on offer locally — and Pirates are determined to make a lasting impact this season.
Consistency has been the buzzword in the Bucs’ camp. Supporters still recall last season’s impressive journey across the continent, when the Sea Robbers advanced to the semi-finals before falling narrowly Pyramids FC.
Their 2024 campaign began strongly, with a 4–0 aggregate victory over Madagascar’s FC Disciples, followed by a 3–0 triumph against Botswana powerhouse Jwaneng Galaxy. The group stage was far from straightforward — featuring heavyweights Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad and Stade Abidjan — but Pirates topped Group C with 14 points, leaving Al Ahly trailing on 10.
The quarter-finals brought more drama, as they edged MC Algiers 1–0 on aggregate to book their spot in the last four, where eventual champions Pyramids ultimately halted their charge with a tight 3–2 win.
Ouaddou making his mark
At the heart of their current momentum is coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has made an immediate impact since taking charge.
The French-Moroccan mentor has already etched his name into club history as the first Orlando Pirates coach to string together eight consecutive victories in all competitions.
That streak spans a mix of tournaments — from the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League to the MTN8 and Carling Knockout — capped by Pirates’ latest MTN8 title success.
Orlando Pirates October Schedule
- Sunday, 19 October – CAF Champions League
Saint Eloi Lupopo vs Orlando Pirates (Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium, Lubumbashi, DRC)
- Wednesday, 22 October – Betway Premiership
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City (Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg)
- Saturday, 25 October – CAF Champions League
Orlando Pirates vs Saint Eloi Lupopo (Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg)
- Tuesday, 28 October – Carling Knockout Quarter-final
Orlando Pirates vs Magesi FC (Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg)