Orlando Pirates And Durban City Face Tough CAF Tests In Group Stage Draw
- Orlando Pirates have been drawn against familiar continental rivals and a coach known to South African football fans
- Durban City face a challenging introduction to African club competition after reaching the group stage for the first time
- Both South African clubs must navigate six group matches to keep their continental ambitions alive
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SOUTH AFRICA — Both Orlando Pirates and Durban City received difficult Group C draws in their respective CAF competitions following the group stage draw held in Egypt on Wednesday.
Pirates entered the CAF Champions League group stage knowing the continent holds no easy paths, but their draw delivered a particularly stern test. The Buccaneers will face Moroccan outfit RS Berkane, Tanzanian club Simba SC and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive.
Orlando Pirates' history with CAF rivals
The draw carries significant weight given Pirates' recent encounters with two of their three opponents. The Buccaneers last met Simba SC in 2022, with both sides winning their respective home legs 1-0 before Pirates advanced 4-3 on penalties.
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That same year, Pirates reached the CAF Confederation Cup final, where they faced Berkane and suffered a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat after the match finished 1-1. Wednesday's draw marks Pirates' first time facing Colombe Sportive.
Berkane's reputation as a resilient, experienced side is well established, and a trip to Dar es Salaam's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where Simba SC enjoy fierce home support, presents one of the most demanding away fixtures in African club football. Simba SC are coached by South African Steve Barker, adding a local dimension to that fixture.
Durban City face baptism of fire
For Durban City, the challenge is arguably even greater. The coastal club, making its continental debut, was drawn against Moroccan powerhouse AS FAR, Tanzania's Azam FC, and Libyan side Al Ahli Tripoli in Group C of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Travelling to North Africa and East Africa has historically been one of the most hostile assignments for South African clubs, with difficult conditions both on and off the pitch. For a side in its first-ever CAF group stage campaign, this draw leaves little margin for error from the opening matchday.
Relebohile Mofokeng's choice between Orlando Pirates and Sundowns
Briefly News also reported that Relebohile Mofokeng had a choice between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns before establishing himself in senior football.
His father, Sechaba Mofokeng, explained why the young attacker favoured the Buccaneers despite the difference in the clubs' offers.
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Source: Briefly News
