Bucs & Chiefs Fly the SA Flag! African Club Comp Showdown!
Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a weekend of continental competition, kicking off their campaigns to secure a spot in the coveted group stages of Africa's premier club tournaments.
Pirates Aim for Champions League Glory
Orlando Pirates are making their third consecutive appearance in the African Champions League. After failing to reach the group stage in the 2023-24 season, they made a remarkable run to the semi-finals last season. This year, they're determined to go even further.
Chiefs Return to Continental Stage
Kaizer Chiefs have qualified for the Confederation Cup, marking their return to African competition after a four-season hiatus. Their last appearance was in the 2020-21 season, where they surprised everyone by reaching the Champions League final.
Pirates Face Lioli in Bloemfontein
Pirates are set to face Basotho club Lioli in the first round. The first leg will be played in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Due to Lesotho's lack of stadia meeting Confederation of African Football standards, Lioli will host Pirates at the Free State Stadium, mirroring the recent arrangement for their national team's match against South Africa.
The match is scheduled for Saturday with a 3pm kickoff, and the return leg will take place at Orlando Stadium exactly one week later.
SA Clubs Dominate Basotho Opponents
Historically, South African clubs have a strong record against Basotho opposition in African club competition. In 20 past matches, South African teams have secured 15 wins, with three draws and only two victories for Lesotho teams, both on home soil. No South African team has ever been eliminated by a Basotho club in aggregate over two-legged knockout stages.
Past Encounters
Pirates have faced Basotho clubs four times before, starting with Roma Rovers in 1997, where they narrowly won on aggregate. In 2004, they achieved a convincing 7-0 aggregate victory over Matlama.
Chiefs Head to Angola
Chiefs are travelling to Angola to take on Kabuscorp in their Confederation Cup clash. Stay tuned for updates on their progress.