Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has identified the Buccaneers’ main concern ahead of their CAF Champions League group stage campaign.
The draw for the continental tournament took place at the Egyptian Football Association [EFA] headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, following the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, which commenced in September 2026. The group stage matches are scheduled to kick off later this month.
Pirates have been drawn into Group C, where the Betway Premiership defending champions will face Moroccan side RS Berkane, Tanzania’s Simba SC, and Cameroonian outfit Colombe Sportive.
The Soweto giants advanced to the group stage after a dominant 5-0 aggregate win over Namibian side African Stars in the second preliminary round.
The Abdeslam Ouaddou-led side will seek redemption on the continent after suffering a premature exit last season, when they were eliminated by DR Congo’s FC St Éloi Lupopo in the second preliminary round after a 5-4 penalty shootout following a 3-3 aggregate tie.
EUGENE ZWANE FLAGS KEY CONCERN AHEAD OF CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
While optimistic about the Buccaneers’ chances of progressing from Group C, Zwane believes the team’s primary test lies in their mental fortitude and tactical discipline on the continent.
“You know, I can say it’s an easy draw for lack of a better word. I think Pirates can deal with those teams and advance to the knockout phase,” Zwane told FARPost in an exclusive interview. “However, my issue with Pirates of late, which we have seen in their last two to four games, is that I’m not too sure if they have sufficient experience in terms of what it takes to compete and win on the continent.
“So, from a football point of view, and also from a talent point of view, I have no doubt about the squad. I think these boys have the talent to play well. But I don’t know if they have the mental strength, historical exposure, and maybe even the understanding.
“You know, competing in Africa requires more than just playing. It requires mental strength, stubbornness, and aggression. Even if you have been through those experiences, you need players who will stand up when things get tough, be able to put their hands up, and fight for the badge.”
‘LEVEL OF COMFORT IS NOT GOING TO WIN YOU THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE’: EUGENE ZWANE
Zwane further highlighted the squad’s youthful profile and echoed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s recent concerns regarding complacency.
“I’m not sure if Pirates have enough of that type of mental strength in the current team. It’s mainly young players who are all breaking into the first team this season and last season as well. So, that’s my concern,” he added.
“But I heard the coach after their game against Milford FC [in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16] say that the boys were way too comfortable because they thought they had won the game in the first half and did not arrive in the second half because they thought the job was done.
“I think he understands that if you are going to play CAF football in a hostile environment, you can’t score three goals and then relax. So, that level of comfort is not going to win you the CAF Champions League.
“So, maybe the coach will address this, but it remains a concern of mine. However, I have no problem with the draw itself. They are all good teams, but I think Pirates has much better quality compared to all of these teams.”
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