Orlando Pirates set sights on CAF Champions League progress in Lubumbashi

Orlando Pirates will be aiming to maintain their strong start to the CAF Champions League campaign when they travel to Lubumbashi to face Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium on Sunday.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Buccaneers head into the second preliminary round brimming with confidence after their emphatic 7–0 aggregate victory over Lesotho Premier League side Lioli FC. The win not only showcased their attacking prowess but also underlined their intent to go deep into the continental competition this season.

Since their historic CAF Champions League triumph in 1995, the Sea Robbers have relentlessly pursued a second star on their badge. Under the guidance of José Riveiro last season, they came agonisingly close, falling short in the semi-finals to eventual champions Pyramids FC by a 3–2 aggregate scoreline.

With Ouaddou now at the helm, this campaign offers another shot at redemption — and a chance to move one step closer to the lucrative group stages.

For many of Ouaddou’s youthful charges, this trip marks their first real taste of continental football. Their previous round against Lioli spared them the rigours of African travel, as both legs were played on South African soil, with the Lesotho outfit unable to host matches at their venue. This time, however, they face an entirely different challenge in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Saint-Éloi Lupopo, who finished second behind TP Mazembe in last season’s Linafoot Championship, are no pushovers. They earned their place in the second round after edging Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh 1–0 on aggregate in the first preliminary round.

That result alone serves as a warning for Pirates not to underestimate the Congolese outfit — particularly after the painful lesson they learned a few seasons ago when they were eliminated by Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy 5–4 on penalties following a 1–1 aggregate draw.

Les Cheminots, as Lupopo are affectionately known, have not advanced beyond the preliminary rounds since 2010, but their recent form suggests they are eager to change that narrative. Their physical approach and home advantage in Lubumbashi could prove a stern test for Ouaddou’s side.

Adding to the Moroccan tactician’s challenges, several of his key players have only just returned from a taxing international break. While that may have disrupted preparations, the bright side is that most return in good form and high spirits after solid performances for their national team.

By the time they kick off, the Buccaneers will have had just over two weeks’ rest, with their last outing being the 1–0 win over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout earlier this month.

Notably, Bafana Bafana’s qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup — to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — was powered by several Pirates players. Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, and Thalente Mbatha all found the back of the net in the all-important 3–0 win against Rwanda, while Sipho Mbule impressed with his creativity and composure throughout the qualifiers.

Though fatigue could creep in for some, Ouaddou will be encouraged by the experience and confidence his players bring back to club duty as Pirates look to extend their eight-match winning streak in all competitions and continue their charge toward continental glory.