Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has shared his thoughts following the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage draw, which paired his Tanzanian side alongside reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates.
The official group stage draw was conducted in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday afternoon, placing the Buccaneers in Group C alongside Simba, Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane, and Cameroonian debutants Colombe Sportive.
The tie will see former Stellenbosch FC mentor Barker rekindle his rivalry with the Soweto giants, alongside a strong Mzansi contingent at Simba that includes Rushine De Reuck, Neo Maema, and Keletso Makgalwa.
Speaking to AzamTV Sports following the draw, Barker expressed his excitement about crossing paths with familiar opponents.
SIMBA SC COACH STEVE BARKER LOOKING FORWARD TO FACING ORLANDO PIRATES
“Obviously, there are some really good teams in our group,” said Barker. “I’m very familiar with RS Berkane, as Simba is from the [CAF] Confederation Cup, and when I was with Stellenbosch, we also played them. They’re a big team from Morocco.
“Naturally, I’m excited to be playing against Orlando Pirates. I’ve always had many battles against them back in South Africa. They are a really good team, having won the Premiership last season, so they are a tough opponent. And whenever there’s a newcomer like Colombe from Cameroon, that will also present a unique challenge.”
Simba are no strangers to the CAF Champions League group stage, having reached this phase in four of their last five campaigns. The Tanzanian giants also faced Pirates in the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals, where the Sea Robbers triumphed on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate tie over two legs.
STEVE BARKER HOPING TO MAKE HIS MARK IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGES
Barker emphasised that his primary target is navigating a demanding group to reach the quarter-finals.
“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,” Barker added.
“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.”
Pirates remain South Africa’s sole representative in Africa’s premier club competition this season following the early elimination of reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the preliminary rounds.
RELATED STORY: CAF DRAW: Pirates and Durban City learn group stage fate
