Orlando Pirates eye strong Champions League start after MTN8 triumph

Orlando Pirates shift their attention from domestic celebrations to continental ambitions this weekend as they kick off their CAF Champions League campaign against Lioli of Lesotho.

The Buccaneers head into Saturday’s preliminary round first-leg tie on the back of historic success, having claimed a record fourth consecutive MTN8 crown at the weekend. 

It was coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s first piece of silverware since taking charge, a trophy he hopes will lay the foundation for an equally successful run in Africa.

Pirates will benefit from a full week of preparations before they travel to Bloemfontein for the clash, which will be staged at the Free State Stadium. 

With Lioli unable to host in Maseru due to CAF’s stadium requirements, the fixture becomes a home game away from home for the Lesotho Premier League giants.

That quirk of circumstance added pressure on the Soweto giants. 

Though technically the visitors, Pirates will enjoy familiar conditions and a significant fan presence. Expectations are that they will set the tone for the tie before the return leg in Johannesburg.

Ouaddou has already ticked one important box by delivering silverware in his debut months, easing the transition after José Riveiro’s departure. 

Now, the Moroccan mentor must prove he can navigate Africa’s toughest club competition, where Pirates have both history and expectation on their shoulders.

The Sea Robbers reached the semi-finals last season under Riveiro, falling just short of a return to the final. 

That deep run rekindled memories of their 1995 triumph and their 2013 final appearance. 

For Ouaddou, the challenge is not only to match those standards but to surpass them.

Pirates’ early league form has been patchy, with dropped points dampening their domestic start. 

Yet the MTN8 triumph suggests they can rise to the big occasion, and continental football presents another stage to showcase their pedigree. 

The squad remains stacked with quality, from seasoned campaigners like Deon Hotto and Nkosinathi Sibisi to new arrivals who will want to make their mark in Africa.

Lioli, for their part, come into the tie as underdogs but will be eager to spring a surprise. 

Forced to play away from their passionate home base, the Lesotho side will look to frustrate Pirates and rely on discipline to keep the tie alive heading into the second leg.

For Pirates, though, the script is clear: use their momentum, impose themselves early and underline why they remain South Africa’s most consistent performers on the continent. 

Ouaddou’s first steps in Africa will be closely watched, and victory on Saturday will go a long way toward convincing the Buccaneers’ faithful that their new era can match the glory of old.