Sport

Orlando Pirates carry Bafana momentum into CAF challenge in Lumbubashi

CAF

Smiso Msomi|Published

ORLANDO Pirates Evidence Makgopa and Kamogelo Sebelebele will be buyoed by their contribution to Bafana Bafana qualification. | Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers

Image: Pic: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers

Orlando Pirates will be looking to extend South Africa’s wave of footballing optimism when they take on Saint-Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup final preliminary round clash in Lubumbashi on Sunday (3pm).

The fixture arrives at a time when South African football is riding high after Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and Pirates — a club that has supplied the national team with depth and leadership — will aim to keep that momentum rolling on the continental stage.

Eight Pirates players were part of Hugo Broos’s triumphant Bafana squad during the recent international window, underlining the club’s growing domestic influence and international pedigree. 

The likes of Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Nkosinathi Sibibi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi were central figures in Bafana’s successful campaign, and their return to club duty offers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side both confidence and continuity.

Pirates progressed to this stage of the competition in emphatic fashion, brushing aside Lioli FC of Lesotho with a 7–0 aggregate victory. 

It was a display of attacking flair and discipline that highlighted their intent to go deep into this year’s Confederation Cup after falling short of the group stages last season.

Riveiro’s men, however, know that the trip to Lubumbashi presents a far sterner test. 

Saint-Eloi Lupopo, one of the DRC’s most storied clubs, edged Al-Merrikh of Sudan 1–0 in the previous round and boast a proud home record at the Stade Kibassa Maliba. 

The Congolese side’s physicality, direct play, and passionate home crowd will demand focus and composure from the Buccaneers.

Pirates will draw inspiration from their balanced mix of experience and youthful energy. 

The defensive spine of Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi has provided stability, while the midfield trio of Mbule and Thalente Mbatha continues to dictate tempo and creativity. 

Up front, Makgopa and Appollis remain central to Riveiro’s attacking blueprint, having rediscovered form for both club and country.

Pirates have consistently spoken about building a team that can compete beyond South African borders, and Sunday’s test will be another step toward that vision. 

With the second leg scheduled for Orlando Stadium next weekend, Pirates will be eager to return home with a positive result from Lubumbashi. 

An away goal or even a solid defensive performance could prove crucial in setting up the tie for completion in front of their supporters.

For a club that thrives under pressure and embraces continental competition, this fixture carries extra weight — not just for Pirates, but for South African football’s broader resurgence.

As Bafana Bafana celebrate their return to the world stage, the Buccaneers now carry the baton of national pride into Africa’s demanding club arenas.