MATSHELANE MAMABOLO
ORLANDO Pirates’ quest for a second CAF Champions League title exactly three decades after they were first crowned African club champions was elevated immensely in difficulty after the group stage draw in Cairo on yesterday.
The Buccaneers will have to navigate their way out of the round robin stages by contending with record winners and holders Al Ahly, who are the top seeds in Group C. The Buccaneers are the third seeds and will also not have it easy against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad. Also in their group is 1966 champions Stade Abidjan of the Ivory Coast.
Pirates, champions in 1995, would love nothing more than to add a second star above their crest on the occasion of their 30 year anniversary of that glorious success, achieved courtesy of a splendid Jerry Siikhosana goal out in Abidjan when they stunned a country ready for a national holiday the following day.
Such was the confidence of the Ivorians following a 2-2 first leg draw at the FNB Stadium, that the Monday after final had been declared a public holiday. It was a holiday all right, but one for mourning and not celebration as had been anticipated.
The current Pirates team under Spaniard Jose Riveiro have proven themselves cup specialists by winning all five finals that they’ve played in. Continental football is a little different to the domestic fare though and Pirates are sure going to be tested in the group phase.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns should finish in the top two of their group, although they cannot take anything for granted given that they are facing two trips up to Morocco where Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat await them. Also in the Brazilians’ group are debutants AS Maniema Union of the DRC.
2024/25 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL Group Stage Draw: ☑️ pic.twitter.com/NDkfHZ1I8F
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) October 7, 2024
2024/25 #TotalEnergiesCAFCC Group Stage Draw: ☑️ pic.twitter.com/04rFFbitzO
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) October 7, 2024
Perennial qualifiers for the knockout phase since their triumph back in 2016, Sundowns are looking to finally win a second title and coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made it known that the Champions League is their main priority this season. And the Brazilians have looked to be improving as they get accustomed to the new coach’s playing style.
It has been described by most analysts as suitable for the continental game, where quick attacks often yield better fruit than the patient, slow build-up they played under Rulani Mokwena.
The competition to see who of these southern African giants adds a second star to their crest first is on. But first they both must negotiate their way out of pretty rough groups to reach the quarter-finals.
Will the Buccaneers lead the way just as they did 30 years back or will Sundowns’ vast experience of Champions League football come to pass and see them upgrade from perennial semifinalists to champions?
A nation expectedly awaits!
CAF Champions League group stages draw
Group A: TP Mazembe, Yanga, Al Hilal, MC Alger
Group B: Mamelodi Sundowns, Raja Casablanca, AS FAR, AS Manema Union
Group C: Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad, Orlando Pirates, Stade Abidjan
Group D: Esperance, Pyramids, Sagrada Esperanca, Djoliba