Orlando Pirates have kickstarted their quest for CAF Champions League glory with a crucial first preliminary round match against Disciples FC of Madagascar.
The Soweto giants are eager to make a strong impression in the competition, aiming to set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
The Buccaneers, managed by Jose Riveiro (pictured above), face a team they are unfamiliar with, adding a layer of unpredictability to the encounter.
Pirates are determined to progress past Disciples FC to secure a spot in the second preliminary round, where they could potentially face Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana, a side they met at the same stage last season.
Pirates can draw confidence from their previous campaign, where they started strong by defeating Djabal of Comoros 4-0 on aggregate before falling short in the subsequent round.
The team’s recent form includes a 3-1 victory over SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarter-finals, and the timing of their Champions League fixture coincided with the arrival of new signing Deano Van Rooyen, who joined from Stellenbosch FC.
Though Pirates have never previously encountered Disciples FC, their recent form suggests they are well-positioned to secure a win.
Before the match MTN8 match against SuperSport, Pirates played four friendlies during their tour of Spain in July, achieving one victory, two draws, and one loss.
Notably, they defeated La Liga side Sevilla 2-0 and drew against Plymouth and Granada, while suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat to Al-Sadd of Qatar. These matches are expected to have provided valuable preparation for the Champions League clash.
Disciples FC’s last competitive action was in June, where they secured consecutive league victories. However, the Malagasy side could be lacking the sharpness of their South African counterparts.
Pirates boast greater experience in continental competitions, having previously won the CAF Champions League once and reaching the final in another instance. Despite their lone continental triumph occurring 28 years ago, fans remain hopeful for a more successful campaign than their previous season’s early exit.
Disciples FC have participated in the Champions League twice before, in 2011 and 2014, but exited at the preliminary stage on both occasions.
Their coach, Mamisoa Razafindrakoto, known for his controversial record in Malagasy football, was infamous for a 149-0 defeat that led to severe sanctions for himself and his team.
The match, set to kick off at 13:00 SA time, is to be held in Mauritius due to the lack of a CAF-approved venue in Madagascar.
Fans can follow the action live on SABC.
☠️🏴☠️ NEXT MATCH🏴☠️☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 16, 2024
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🏆 @CAFCLCC 1st Prelim Round
🆚 Disciples FC
📅 18 August 2024
🏟️ Cote D'OR National Sports Complex
⏲️ 15H00
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OnceAlways #orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/Z1csQDeNjn
