Simba SC’s Barker opens about Orlando Pirates date in CAF Champions League

Simba SC coach Steve Barker has welcomed meeting with Orlando Pirates in Group C of the CAF Champions League competition.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi made the phase after getting past 15 de Agosto of Equatorial Guinea 9-1 on aggregate in the second preliminary round. Bucs beat African Stars from Botswana 5-0 in two legs to advance.

Following the elimination of holders Mamelodi Sundowns from the competition, the Buccaneers are the only team representing South Africa in the continental prestigious club competition.

In the draw that took place in Cairo on Wednesday, Pirates were pooled with the Tanzanian heavyweights, Botola Pro League’s outfit RS Berkane and Colombe Sportive from Cameroon.

Barker welcomes Pirates re-union

While in the Premier Soccer League with Stellenbosch, Barker faced Pirates severally. He concedes they are a good team explaining why playing them will not be a walk in the park.

“I’m excited to be playing against Orlando Pirates. I’ve always had many battles against them back in South Africa, so they’re also a really good team, having won the Premiership in South Africa last season, so a tough opponent,” he told Azam TV.

“I’m very familiar with RS Berkane, as Simba is with the Confederation Cup, and when I was with Stellenbosch, we also played them.

“And then obviously whenever there’s a newcomer to the Champions League in Colombe, from Cameroon, they’ll also be a challenge. It’s going to be a very challenging group for us, but if you want to reach the far end of such tournaments, you have to get through the group stages regardless of the opposition.

𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦!

Orlando Pirates will kick off their #CAFCL group stage campaign with an away fixture against Simba towards end of November.#OnceAlways #UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/lnXAtzN1en

— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) October 28, 2026

“We have to find a way to ensure that we qualify for the knockout stages. I’m very excited overall and really looking forward to it,” he added.

The initial meeting between the teams in Group C will be on Saturday, November 28at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.