Orlando Pirates are back in action this weekend as they begin their CAF Champions League campaign with the trip to Mauritius where they will face Madagascar’s reigning league champions Disciples on Sunday.
Cote D’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre will host the opening leg of the crucial First Preliminary Round fixture, which takes place days before the deciding leg at Orlando Stadium.
Form Guide
A testing start to the 2024/25 season continues for the visitors, who depart South African shores in the quest for group-stage qualification. The Soweto Giants have had a taste of competitive cup action having begun the defence of their MTN8 title earlier in the month.
They emerged victors in a marathon quarterfinal encounter at home to SuperSport, where they claimed a 3-1 win after 120 minutes on the pitch with Olisa Ndah, Monnapule Saleng, and Evidence Makgopa providing the goals.
Prior to their opening fixture, Pirates have taken part in several friendlies both at home and abroad as they look to build on what was a successful 2023/24 campaign which yielded two cup titles.
The men from Antsirabé have meanwhile enjoyed a lengthy off-season since they were crowned as champions of Madagascar. Their most recent fixture was their final game of the previous season where they defeated Elgeco Plus to clinch the Pro League title.
Disciplines’ win against their domestic rivals was a continuation of a good spell of results in the backend of the season, taking their tally to four wins in their last six matches.
With a place in the final preliminary round at stake, both sides will be eager to draw first blood as they look to ensure continued participation in Africa’s premier club competition.
Team News
After finishing the previous season without a few of their key players, Pirates have had further setbacks with Zakhele Lepasa and Thabiso Lebitso now among the latest additions to the injury list, while Miguel Timm also missed the MTN8 quarter-final after picking up an ankle injury.
Coach Jose Riveiro can however call upon some new faces ahead of the clash in the likes of Gilberto and Selaelo Rasebotja, who were heavily involved in the pre-season preparations.
There have been further reinforcements to the squad, with Deano van Rooyen joining from Stellenbosch. Having joined the Buccaneers earlier in the week, the 27-year-old could be set to debut in the coming days.
Players to Watch
Fan favourite Tendry Randrianarijaona is among the more experienced players for the hosts, boasting 15 international caps for Madagascar as well as Champions League experience, having featured in the 2018 edition of the tournament. He is joined in the centre of the park by the versatile fellow Malagasy international Andy Rakotondrajoa, capable of operating deep in the midfield as well as further forward.
In defence, Tantely Randrianiaina is a veteran campaigner who could feature on the right side of the pitch with left-back Lalaina Manampisoa expected to provide energy on the opposite flank.
Head-to-Head
There are no previous meetings between the two sides who will be meeting for the first time on Sunday.
How to Follow Orlando Pirates vs Disciples
The match will kick off at 13:00 (SAST) and will not be televised. You can follow live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.
