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Orlando Pirates in CAF Champions League 2026/27: Results & Road to the Next Round
Orlando Pirates in CAF Champions League 2026/27 campaign has reached the Second Preliminary Round after the Buccaneers eliminated Mauritian champions La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate. A goalless first leg in Mauritius was followed by a 3-1 victory in Soweto, setting up a two-legged tie against Namibia’s African Stars for a place in the group stage.
Pirates now have one qualifying round left before the 16-team group stage. The Second Preliminary Round first legs are scheduled for 16-18 October 2026, with the return fixtures from 23-25 October. African Stars are due to host the opening leg, with Pirates at home in the return, while the exact dates, venues and kick-off times await final confirmation. tbzikra.org
This page tracks Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League results, their next opponent and the route that remains in the 2026/27 competition.
Orlando Pirates CAF Champions League 2026/27 results so far
| Date | Stage | Fixture | Result | Status |
| 6 Sep 2026 | First Preliminary Round – 1st leg | La Cure Waves vs Orlando Pirates | 0-0 | Tie level |
| 12 Sep 2026 | First Preliminary Round – 2nd leg | Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves | 3-1 | Pirates advance 3-1 agg. |
| 16-18 Oct 2026 | Second Preliminary Round – 1st leg | African Stars vs Orlando Pirates | TBC | Upcoming |
| 23-25 Oct 2026 | Second Preliminary Round – 2nd leg | Orlando Pirates vs African Stars | TBC | Upcoming |
The first round was decided in Soweto after Pirates had been held 0-0 in Port Louis. The away draw left the tie open, but it also meant the Buccaneers returned home knowing a victory would take them into the next round.
READ ALSO: CAF Champions League 2026/27: Sundowns and Orlando Pirates road to the group stage
How Orlando Pirates beat La Cure Waves
Pirates had to recover from an early setback in the second leg. Jean Ami capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put La Cure Waves ahead in the sixth minute, but the response came almost immediately as Kabelo Kgositsile finished from close range for his first Orlando Pirates goal.
Kamogelo Sebelebele completed the turnaround in the 25th minute after combining with Kgositsile, before Yanela Mbuthuma headed in the third from a Thapelo Mokobodi corner eight minutes before half-time. Pirates controlled the second half without adding to the scoreline and closed out a 3-1 win on the day and on aggregate.
The result completed the first half of Pirates’ qualification route. African Stars now stand between the South African champions and a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
READ ALSO: Orlando Pirates club profile, fixtures, results and squad updates
Who are African Stars, Orlando Pirates’ next CAF opponents?
African Stars are the reigning Namibian champions and reached the Second Preliminary Round after overturning a difficult first-leg position against Gabon’s AS Mangasport. They lost 3-1 in Gabon before winning the return match 2-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Lawrence Doeseb opened the scoring in the 14th minute and Liam April added the second after the break. The tie finished 3-3 on aggregate, with African Stars progressing on the away-goals rule because of the goal they scored in the first leg.
Ronnie Kanalelo’s side therefore arrive in the next round with evidence that they can recover from a two-goal deficit. The tie also carries a personal link for Orlando Pirates winger Deon Hotto, who previously represented African Stars before moving on in his career.
The matchup was already defined by the CAF preliminary-round draw: the winner of AS Mangasport versus African Stars was paired with the winner of La Cure Waves versus Orlando Pirates. Both ties are now complete, leaving African Stars and Pirates to contest the final qualifying round before the group stage.
What Orlando Pirates need to reach the CAF Champions League group stage
The requirement is clear: Orlando Pirates must eliminate African Stars over two legs. The aggregate winner of the Second Preliminary Round will qualify for the 16-team CAF Champions League group stage.
CAF’s draw bracket places African Stars at home in the first leg and Orlando Pirates at home in the return. The opening match falls within the 16-18 October window, with the second leg scheduled for 23-25 October. The exact match dates, venues and kick-off times still require final confirmation.
There is no further qualifying round after this tie. Progress would place Pirates among the final 16 clubs, with the group phase beginning at the end of November and running through January.
| Stage | Orlando Pirates status | What happens next |
| First Preliminary Round | Beat La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate | Qualified |
| Second Preliminary Round | Face African Stars | Winner reaches group stage |
| Group Stage | Not yet qualified | 16 clubs; six matchdays |
READ ALSO: South African Premiership 2026/27 season preview
CAF Champions League 2026/27 key dates and where to follow Pirates
| Stage | Dates |
| Second Preliminary Round – first legs | 16-18 October 2026 |
| Second Preliminary Round – return legs | 23-25 October 2026 |
| Group Stage Matchday 1 | 27-29 November 2026 |
| Group Stage Matchday 2 | 4-6 December 2026 |
| Group Stage Matchday 3 | 18-20 December 2026 |
| Group Stage Matchday 4 | 8-10 January 2027 |
| Group Stage Matchday 5 | 15-17 January 2027 |
| Group Stage Matchday 6 | 22-24 January 2027 |
For confirmed fixtures, kick-off times, live scores and match events as the competition progresses, supporters can follow SP Score. The CAF Champions League schedule above provides the wider route from the Second Preliminary Round into the group phase.
Orlando Pirates CAF Champions League 2026/27 FAQs
Are Orlando Pirates still in the CAF Champions League 2026/27?
Yes. Orlando Pirates eliminated La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate and have reached the Second Preliminary Round.
Who will Orlando Pirates play next in the CAF Champions League?
Orlando Pirates will face Namibian champions African Stars in the Second Preliminary Round.
When will Orlando Pirates play African Stars?
The first leg will be played within the 16-18 October 2026 window and the return leg from 23-25 October. Exact fixture details are still to be confirmed.
How did Orlando Pirates do against La Cure Waves?
The first leg ended 0-0 in Mauritius before Pirates won the second leg 3-1 in Soweto, progressing 3-1 on aggregate.
Who scored for Orlando Pirates against La Cure Waves?
Kabelo Kgositsile, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma scored in the 3-1 second-leg victory.
What do Orlando Pirates need to reach the group stage?
Pirates must beat African Stars over two legs in the Second Preliminary Round. The aggregate winner qualifies for the 16-team group stage.
Conclusion
Orlando Pirates CAF Champions League 2026/27 campaign is one qualifying tie away from the group stage after the Buccaneers completed a 3-1 aggregate victory over La Cure Waves. African Stars are next, with the two-legged Second Preliminary Round scheduled across the 16-18 October and 23-25 October windows.
Pirates have cleared the first hurdle, but African Stars arrive after producing a significant comeback of their own against AS Mangasport. The aggregate winner will move directly into the 16-team group stage, where Matchday 1 is scheduled for 27-29 November 2026.
Pathirage retrouve ses javelots cassés après un voyage en avion
Le champion sri-lankais Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage a découvert avec «le cœur brisé» que ses cinq javelots avaient été cassés durant le voyage retour en avion depuis Budapest où il avait remporté les championnats Ultimate.
Pathirage est le premier Sri-lankais à remporter une réunion de la Ligue de diamant et il est favori pour la médaille d'or aux Jeux asiatiques. L'athlète a notamment lancé son javelot à 92,62 mètres lors du meeting de la Ligue de diamant de Rome début juin, et à 92,07 m le mois dernier à Zurich. Il est ainsi devenu le 4e homme de l'histoire à lancer deux fois au-delà des 92 mètres.
Wolvaardt fires Proteas to series win
Laura Wolvaardt smashed a career-best T20I century as the Proteas Women thumped Zimbabwe to wrap up the series in Bulawayo.
South Africa claimed an 80-run victory, posting 200/1 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 120 in the final over to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Wolvaardt was the star of the show with an unbeaten 126 off 62 balls, hammering 16 fours and four sixes in her highest T20I score.
Karabo Meso provided excellent support with an unbeaten 50, her maiden T20I half-century, as the pair powered the Proteas to an imposing total.
Annerie Dercksen then ripped through Zimbabwe with a career-best 5/15 from four overs, ensuring there would be no way back for the hosts.
Photo: @ProteasWomenCSA
The post Wolvaardt fires Proteas to series win appeared first on SA Cricket Mag.
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City: Premier league 2026/27 Match Preview
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City takes place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 SAST. The Premier League fixture brings together second-placed Pirates and a Durban City side returning to domestic action after progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Pirates have 13 points from five league matches, while Durban City have six points from five. Both teams also arrive after continental victories: Orlando Pirates beat La Cure Waves 3-1 on 12 September to move into the next CAF Champions League qualifying round, while Durban City won 2-1 away to Rukinzo on 13 September to complete a 3-1 aggregate win in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The fixture also tests how both squads handle a quick turnaround from continental competition. Pirates played in Soweto five days earlier, while Durban City return from a CAF Confederation Cup trip to Burundi.
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City match details and league context
| Match detail | Information |
| Fixture | Orlando Pirates vs Durban City |
| Competition | Premier League 2026/27 |
| Date | Thursday, 17 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 19:30 SAST |
| Venue | Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto |
| Orlando Pirates position | 2nd — 13 points from 5 matches |
| Durban City position | 9th — 6 points from 5 matches |
The league table gives this fixture immediate importance. Orlando Pirates are seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns but have played three fewer matches. The Buccaneers have won four of their opening five league games, while Durban City have one win, three draws and one defeat from the same number of matches.
READ ALSO: PSL 2026/27 season preview
Orlando Pirates form and team news
Orlando Pirates return to league football after securing progress in the CAF Champions League. Their 3-1 second-leg win over La Cure Waves at Orlando Amstel Arena on 12 September completed a successful first preliminary-round tie and set up a second-round meeting with African Stars.
Their most recent Premier League outing was also emphatic. Pirates beat Kruger United 4-0 away on 1 September, a result that underlined the strong start that has produced four wins and one draw from their first five league matches.
Orlando Pirates had not issued a fixture-specific injury or suspension bulletin at the time of publication. The starting XI was also not yet confirmed, with official team sheets expected closer to kick-off.
READ ALSO: Orlando Pirates club profile, fixtures and results
Durban City form and team news
Durban City arrive in Soweto after an important continental result of their own. Khalil Ben Youssef’s side beat Rukinzo 2-1 in Burundi on 13 September, with Kyle Jurgens and S. Maseko scoring in the first half as City advanced 3-1 on aggregate in their first CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Their league start has been tighter. Durban City have six points from five matches, with one victory, three draws and one defeat. Their most recent Premiership fixture ended 0-0 against Stellenbosch on 1 September, so this match comes after two consecutive CAF Confederation Cup ties rather than a league game.
Durban City had not published a fixture-specific injury or suspension update for the Orlando Pirates match at the time of publication. Their starting XI was also still to be confirmed ahead of the 19:30 SAST kick-off.
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City H2H and recent meetings
The clubs have already met this season. Orlando Pirates needed extra time to beat Durban City 2-1 in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Amstel Arena on 8 August, with the contest remaining level until the closing stages of extra time.
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Result |
| 8 Aug 2026 | MTN8 | Orlando Pirates vs Durban City | 2-1 after extra time |
| 16 May 2026 | Premier League | Orlando Pirates vs Durban City | 0-0 |
| 29 Nov 2025 | Premier League | Durban City vs Orlando Pirates | 0-2 |
Those three meetings show why the fixture should not be reduced to league positions alone. Durban City held Pirates to a goalless draw in Soweto late last season and pushed them to extra time in August, while Pirates won the earlier 2025/26 league meeting 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
READ ALSO: Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League route
Where to follow Orlando Pirates vs Durban City
For the live score, confirmed lineups, goals, cards and match events, supporters can use SP Score. The service provides changing match information once the game begins.
Fans who want to view the football markets available for the fixture can also visit SportPesa South Africa’s soccer section. Market availability and prices can change before kick-off.
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City FAQs
When is Orlando Pirates vs Durban City?
The match is scheduled for Thursday, 17 September 2026.
What time is Orlando Pirates vs Durban City?
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 SAST.
Where is Orlando Pirates vs Durban City being played?
The fixture is scheduled for Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
What competition is Orlando Pirates vs Durban City in?
It is a Premier League 2026/27 fixture.
Where are Orlando Pirates in the league table?
Orlando Pirates are second with 13 points from five matches at the time of this update.
Where are Durban City in the league table?
Durban City are ninth with six points from five matches at the time of this update.
Who won the last Orlando Pirates vs Durban City meeting?
Orlando Pirates won 2-1 after extra time in the MTN8 quarter-final on 8 August 2026.
Are the Orlando Pirates vs Durban City lineups confirmed?
No. The official starting XIs had not been released at the time of publication. They are normally confirmed closer to kick-off.
Conclusion
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City is one of the key Premier league fixtures on the September schedule, with Pirates looking to maintain their strong league start and Durban City returning from a successful continental trip. The match is currently listed for Thursday, 17 September at 19:30 SAST at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Pirates begin the game second in the table with 13 points from five matches, while Durban City have six points from five. Confirmed lineups and any late availability updates are expected closer to kick-off through official club channels.
‘Clear minds’: Records fall and milestones reached as Proteas crush Zimbabwe
With both players achieving milestones, teenager Karabo Meso said she and captain Laura Wolvaardt had fed off each other as they laid a match-winning foundation for the Proteas women during their 80-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20 International in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Opening batter Wolvaardt, who had struggled in the first two games of the series, hit a record ton. And wicketkeeper-batter Meso, who had a highest score of 14 runs in her previous 10 T20 International matches, achieved her first half-century.
“It was just clear minds, not getting ahead of ourselves. She made me feel good about myself, I made her feel good about herself,” Meso said after the game.
“She had been struggling for the last two games, but today was just about commitment and clear conversations… and she said: ‘You’ve just got to keep things simple and don’t try too hard because it will come naturally’.”
Solid partnership
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Wolvaardt and 18-year-old Meso combined in an unbroken 173-run stand for the second wicket, which was the third-highest partnership by a Proteas women pairing for any wicket in the T20 format.
The skipper made 126 not out off 62, while Meso hit an unbeaten 50 off 51, with the duo carrying the Proteas to 200/1.
Wolvaardt broke the record for the highest score by a Proteas woman in a T20 International, surpassing the previous mark of 116 not out achieved by Shandré Fritz against Netherlands in Potchefstroom in October 2010.
Zimbabwe innings
In response, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 120 in the final over of their innings, despite tail-ender Michelle Mavunga putting up a stubborn fight by contributing 41 off 23.
The impressive Proteas attack were led by all-rounder Annerie Dercksen who took 5/15 for her first international five-wicket haul.
Dercksen became only the third SA woman to take five wickets in a T20 International match, after Suné Luus and Shabnim Ismail, who both previously achieved the feat on two occasions.
The SA team, who held an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series, were set to face Zimbabwe again in the fourth game in Bulawayo on Thursday (1.30pm start).