They Will Suffer– Steve Barker Fires Heavy Shots at Orlando Pirates After CAF Champions League Draw

Barker Sends Strong Message Ahead of Orlando Pirates Reunion in CAF Champions League

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker is relishing the opportunity to face Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League group stage, but the South African tactician knows his team will need to be at their best to progress to the knockout rounds.

The Tanzanian giants were drawn against the Buccaneers in Group C during Wednesday’s CAF Champions League group stage draw in Cairo, setting up an exciting reunion between Barker and one of his familiar opponents from South African football.

Barker, who previously coached Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership, has experienced several battles against Pirates during his time in South Africa. He understands the quality and competitiveness of the Soweto giants and expects them to provide a serious test for his Simba side.

Speaking to Azam TV after the draw, Barker expressed his excitement about the upcoming encounter while acknowledging the strength of the South African champions.

“I’m excited to be playing against Orlando Pirates. I’ve always had many battles against them back in South Africa. They’re also a really good team, having won the Premiership in South Africa last season, so a tough opponent,” Barker said.

Pirates will enter the competition carrying South Africa’s hopes after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a surprising elimination against Angolan side Wiliete, leaving the Buccaneers as the country’s only remaining representative in the tournament.

However, the challenge facing Barker’s Simba side extends beyond the South African opposition, with Group C featuring several teams determined to make their mark on the continental stage.

Moroccan outfit RS Berkane, a familiar name in African club competitions, will also compete alongside Colombe Sportive of Cameroon, who are preparing for their Champions League debut.

Barker admitted that his familiarity with RS Berkane would help him understand the challenge awaiting his team, although he expects every opponent to present different difficulties.

“I’m very familiar with RS Berkane, as Simba is with the Confederation Cup, and when I was with Stellenbosch, we also played them,” he explained.

The Simba coach also warned against underestimating Colombe Sportive simply because they are newcomers to the competition.

“And then obviously whenever there’s a newcomer to the Champions League in Colombe, from Cameroon, they’ll also be a challenge,” he added.

Barker described the group as a demanding one but insisted that Simba must embrace the challenge if they want to compete for continental honours.

“It’s going to be a very challenging group for us, but if you want to reach the far end of such tournaments, you have to get through the group stages regardless of the opposition,” he said.

The former Stellenbosch coach made it clear that qualifying for the knockout stages remains the immediate objective.

“We have to find a way to ensure that we qualify for the knockout stages. I’m very excited overall and really looking forward to it,” Barker concluded.

The first round of CAF Champions League group-stage matches is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 November, with Simba and Pirates preparing for a campaign that promises plenty of drama, intensity and high-quality African football.

Source https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115778059953438742?a=J86rq65mG0-Rn5KA0WQ&s=19

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