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3h ago

Orlando Pirates Begin CAF Champions League Campaign Against Lioli in Bloemfontein Today

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou urges full focus against the Lesotho champions.

Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates celebrates after scoring a goal during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 Preliminary Round 1st Leg match against Lioli at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Photo: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
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Mandla Ncikazi, assistant coach of Orlando Pirates during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 Preliminary Round 1st Leg Pirates Training at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday. Photo: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix

Overview

  • The opening leg kicks off at 15:00 in Bloemfontein at Free State Stadium, also known as Toyota Stadium, with Lioli designated as hosts due to a lack of a CAF‑approved venue in Lesotho.
  • The match will be broadcast live on SABC 1 and SABC SPORT.
  • The return leg is set for Saturday, 27 September at Orlando Stadium.
  • Pirates enter as favourites after lifting an early-season trophy and posting four wins and a draw in their last five matches with 11 goals scored and one conceded.
  • Ouaddou says Pirates have studied Lioli and must show respect, targeting progress after last season’s semifinal exit to eventual champions Pyramids FC.