Orlando Pirates have been drawn against Tanzanian giants Simba SC — coached by former Stellenbosch FC boss Steve Barker and featuring a clutch of South African players — in Group C of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

The full Group C consists of Moroccan side RS Berkane, Barker’s Simba SC, Pirates, and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive, who are making their maiden appearance at the group stage.

The South African connection is the most striking element of the draw. Barker, who left Stellenbosch for Simba earlier in the year, has built a strong South African contingent at the club.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United attacker Keletso Makgalwa has been among the goals in qualifying, while centre-back Rushine De Reuck and midfielder Neo Maema (also ex-Sundowns) are regulars in the squad.

Simba reached the group stage in emphatic fashion, thrashing Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto 9-1 on aggregate (6-1 away, then 3-0 at home), with Makgalwa scoring in both legs.

They currently sit top of the Tanzanian Premier League after a perfect start under Barker.

After qualification, Barker was clear about his ambitions: “The next objective will be to be competitive in the group stages and to get to the knockout stages… the group stage is more competitive.

“There are some really good teams once you get to the group stages, and it’s going to be a lot more difficult.”

Is Group C easy or difficult for Pirates?

It is not an easy group. RS Berkane are the clear favourites on paper. The Moroccan side are consistently among Africa’s better-organised clubs, reached the semi-finals last season, and qualified with a professional 3-0 aggregate win over Star Sport Academy.

They are highly ranked in CAF’s coefficient system and will be expected to top the group or finish strongly.

Simba SC under Barker are a dangerous second threat. They are in excellent form domestically, possess real attacking quality (including the South African contingent), and have genuine continental experience.

Facing a South African coach and several familiar PSL faces adds an extra layer of intrigue and intensity.

Colombe Sportive are the most winnable fixture for the Buccaneers. The Cameroonian champions qualified solidly (3-0 aggregate over Teungueth) but are making their group-stage debut and lack the pedigree of the other three sides.

For Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Pirates — who themselves advanced with a 5-0 aggregate thrashing of Namibian side African Stars — the group is challenging but manageable.

They will need to maximise their home advantage in Soweto, take points off Colombe, and be competitive against Berkane and Simba. Qualification for the knockout stages is realistic, but it will require consistency against two strong sides rather than a straightforward path.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content