CAF Inter-Club: Pirates & Chiefs determinants ahead of defining weekend

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CAF Inter-Club: Pirates & Chiefs determinants ahead of defining weekend
Image - SABC

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates return to CAF Club Competitions this weekend

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, two of South Africa’s most iconic football clubs, are back in action this weekend in the CAF continental club competitions, aiming to secure their places in the group stages.

Orlando Pirates vs Lioli FC – CAF Champions League Second Leg

Orlando Pirates are in a commanding position ahead of their second-leg clash against Lioli FC of Lesotho, taking place at Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers lead 3-0 on aggregate after a dominant first-leg performance in Bloemfontein, where Tshegofatso Mabasa netted twice and Oswin Appollis added a third in stoppage time.

Tshegofatso Mabasa celebrats. Photo - Orlando Pirates
Tshegofatso Mabasa celebrats. Photo – Orlando Pirates

With the tie seemingly wrapped up, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to rotate his squad, giving fringe players valuable minutes while resting key starters. Pirates will face either St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo) or Al Merrikh (Sudan) in the next round. That tie was delayed due to late confirmation of Lupopo’s participation, with the first leg now set for Lubumbashi and the return in Benghazi, Libya on 4 October.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Kabuscorp – CAF Confederation Cup Second Leg

Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, face a tougher challenge as they host Kabuscorp of Angola, trailing 1-0 from the first leg. With the away goals rule still in effect, Amakhosi must win without conceding to keep their continental hopes alive.

The arrival of Khanyisa Mayo on loan from Algeria has added firepower to Chiefs’ attack. Mayo scored on debut in the Betway Premiership midweek draw against Marumo Gallants, but defensive lapses remain a concern.

Khanyisa Mayo Kaizer Chiefs 2
Image – Chiefs

Chiefs’ early-season momentum has stalled following the departure of coach Nasreddine Nabi, who ended the club’s trophy drought but left behind a team in transition.

Despite Kabuscorp’s limited experience in continental competition, Angolan clubs have historically posed a challenge for South African sides. This fixture marks the 35th meeting between clubs from Angola and South Africa in CAF tournaments, with South African teams holding a narrow edge: 14 wins, 12 losses, and 8 draws.

CAF Club Competitions – South African Teams in Focus

Orlando Pirates players celebrate Patrick Maswanganyi's goal against Chippa United.
Orlando Pirates players celebrate Patrick Maswanganyi's goal against Chippa United.

Orlando Pirates expected to advance comfortably to the next round.

Kaizer Chiefs face a must-win scenario at home against Kabuscorp.

Tshegofatso Mabasa and Khanyisa Mayo are key players to watch.

CAF away goals rule could play a decisive role in Chiefs’ fate.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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