Opinion: Why Pirates struggle in the CAF Champions League
Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw on Sunday by Madagascan champions Disciples in the CAF Champions League first round.
Orlando Pirates has had a strong team for the past four years but has failed to make an impact in the CAF Champions League.
Despite reaching the final in 2013, the Buccaneers have not been able to advance past the group stages in subsequent years. In the previous season, the team, led by Jose Riveiro, was eliminated in the second preliminary round by Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana.
In 2010, Orlando Pirates were knocked out by Gaborone United in the preliminary rounds, despite having a superior squad. Interestingly, Gaborone United went on to achieve significant success, winning consecutive trebles and reaching the 2013 CAF CL final.
So, why does Orlando Pirates perform poorly in the CAF Champions League?
Although the team has been successful in cup competitions, winning five of their last six finals, they have struggled in league and CAF competitions.
The Soweto Giants had an average 2023/24 season, finishing second behind Mamelodi Sundowns. Orlando Pirates qualified for the CAF Champions League only because Stellenbosch FC faltered and lost eight points in their final three matches.
Two-legged ties have been a challenge for Riveiro’s men
In the previous season, Pirates barely made it to the MTN8 final due to an away goal against Stellenbosch. They won 2-1 away but put up a poor performance at home, narrowly losing 1-0 and surviving a late Stellenbosch surge.
Around the same time, Orlando Pirates lost 1-0 to Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the CAF Champions League in Botswana. In the return leg, Riveiro’s men only managed a 1-0 win and were forced into penalties, where Galaxy emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline in front of a packed Orlando crowd.
The failure to secure a comfortable lead in the first leg has been a recurring issue for Pirates, especially when facing smaller teams. On Sunday, the Buccaneers were held to a 0-0 draw against Madagascan champion Disciples away. Pirates will host the return leg this Friday looking to advance to the second round of the CAF Champions League.
The pressure now is on Riveiro’s men to win without conceding a goal.