Irvin Khoza Reportedly Rejects Calls for Further Investigation Into Pirates and Orbit College Match

Orlando Pirates have learned the teams they will face in the CAF Champions League group stage after the draw took place in Cairo, with the South African side preparing for a demanding campaign as they aim to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

The Buccaneers, coached by Abdeslam Ouaddou, have been drawn in Group C alongside Simba SC of Tanzania, Morocco’s RS Berkane and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive. The group presents several challenges for Pirates, who will need to maintain consistent performances throughout the competition to advance to the next stage.

Pirates will open their campaign with an away fixture against Simba SC, a team managed by former Buccaneers coach Steve Barker. The encounter will give the Soweto-based club an early opportunity to collect valuable points and establish momentum in the competition.

Their second match will see them return to South Africa to host RS Berkane at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Moroccan outfit will pose another difficult test, with Pirates expected to make good use of their home advantage.

The schedule will then feature two consecutive meetings against Colombe Sportive. Pirates will travel to Cameroon for the first encounter before hosting the same opponents in South Africa during the fourth round of fixtures.

On matchday five, the Buccaneers will welcome Simba SC for a potentially decisive encounter before travelling to Morocco to face RS Berkane in their final group-stage match.

The opening group-stage fixtures are scheduled for November 27 to 29, while the final round will take place between January 22 and 24, 2027.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that PSL chairperson Irvin Khoza halted an investigation into last season’s DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Orbit College FC. Some league executives had reportedly raised suspicions about possible financial exchanges between the clubs.

However, Khoza allegedly stopped the process after determining that the rumours were unfounded. No evidence of wrongdoing has been presented, and neither club has been formally accused of misconduct.

Pirates’ CAFCL Fixtures Confirmed