The Sea Robbers find themselves in a tough group. Photo Ayanda Ndamane /Independent Newspapers
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates will be looking to start their CAF Champions League group stages campaign on a positive note when they lock horns against CR Belouizdad at Stade Du 5 Juillet Stadium in Algeria on Tuesday.
The Sea Robbers find themselves in a tough group that includes the reigning champions, Al Ahly from Egypt, as well as Ivorian powerhouses Stade d’Abidjan.
After a 20-hour journey ✈️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 25, 2024
💪![CDATA[]]>🏾 Strength & Conditioning Coach, Helmi Gueldich led a light ⚙️regeneration session in Algeria 🇩![CDATA[]]>🇿
🗓️ 24 November 2024
⚫⚪🔴⭐#CAFCL#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/5WMZp4YoaE
They advanced to the group stages of the competition for the first time since 2019, having defeated Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy 4-0 on aggregate.
The Buccaneers have also made a perfect start to the new season, winning all their opening matches. They currently sit at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 21 points.
However, they will face a challenging encounter against Belouizdad, who qualified to the group stages after defeating Burkinabe side AS Douanes 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 tie on aggregate.
Currently, the Algerian team sits in 12th place in the Algerian Ligue 1, with 10 points from eight matches. They will be eager to please their fans with a victory after such a disappointing start to the season.
Meanwhile, Pirates have also confirmed that several players— including Tapelo Xoki, Sandile Mthethwa, Deano Van Rooyen, Makhehlene Makhaula, Thabiso Lebitso, Thuso Moleleki, and Ethan Visagie — have returned to full training after recovering from injuries.
IOL Sport