Following last weekend’s action, CAF has swiftly announced the draw dates for the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

It has been confirmed the event will be held in will Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, 28 October. Orlando Pirates and Durban City will be South Africa’s only two representatives.

ORLANDO PIRATES AWAIT CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

The CAF Champions League draw has been scheduled for 15:00 Cairo time (12:00 GMT). The Confederation Cup draw will take place earlier at 14:00 Cairo time (11:00 GMT).

South African football will be pinning its hopes on Orlando Pirates after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock exit during the qualifying rounds.

The Buccaneers secured their place in the group stages after overcoming Namibia’s African Stars, earning a place among the 16 clubs still chasing Africa’s biggest club prize.

For a possible championship, the Soweto giants have to get past some strong contenders such as Egyptian giants Pyramids FC and Zamalek, as well as Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis and Morocco’s RS Berkane.

The Soweto giants will hope to make a strong impression on their return to the group stages and compete for a place in the knockout rounds.

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP DRAW

Attention will also turn to the CAF Confederation Cup, where the qualified teams will learn their group-stage opponents. Eric Tinkler’s Durban City qualified for the group stages after getting past Mauritia’s AS Port-Louis 2000.

The draw will give the remaining clubs a clearer picture of the challenge ahead as they pursue continental honours. South African interest in the competition will depend on the final list of qualified teams.

With both draws taking place in Cairo on the same day, Wednesday promises to be an important date for African club football.

For Pirates, the immediate focus will be on finding out their opponents and preparing for the group-stage campaign. The Buccaneers will be hoping the draw gives them a favourable route as they look to make their mark in Africa.