For the first time since 2013, Orlando Pirates have reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, setting up a thrilling two-legged showdown with Egyptian contenders Pyramids FC.
The Soweto giants are back where they believe they belong, among Africa’s elite.
The Buccaneers, buoyed by a recent surge in form, will host the first leg at the iconic FNB Stadium on Saturday at 6pm, in what promises to be a defining moment in their quest for continental glory.
The timing couldn’t be more emotionally charged for Pirates with an all-South African final also on the cards.
Just days after securing a spot in the Nedbank Cup final and amidst the news of head coach José Riveiro’s impending departure at the end of the season, the team has shown remarkable composure and focus.
1 - Courtesy of Orlando Pirates & Sundowns, this is also the first time in history two South African teams have reached the semi-finals of the same CAF inter-club competition in the same season. Unprecedented.
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) April 10, 2025
10 stats from CAF action: https://t.co/kfDPoEZqeJ pic.twitter.com/BXa9n01buC
Instead of wilting under the weight of uncertainty, they’ve responded with grit, unity, and a string of dominant performances.
Riveiro’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. Under his guidance, the Buccaneers have developed into a tactically disciplined side with sharp attacking instincts.
They edged past Algeria’s MC Alger in the quarter-finals with a narrow but deserved 1-0 aggregate win, built on defensive solidity and strategic efficiency.
The likes of Thapelo Xoki at the back, Relebohile Mofokeng pulling strings in midfield, and the ever-threatening Mohau Nkota up front have all stepped up when it matters most.
Their opponents, Pyramids FC, represent the modern face of African football—a club that didn’t exist in its current form until 2018.
Rebranded from Al Assiouty Sport and backed by substantial financial resources, Pyramids have rapidly risen to prominence.
Eight Games
— A R N O L D_ RSA🇿🇦🏴☠️☠️🖤 (@enthusiastic114) April 17, 2025
Three Goals⚽️⚽️⚽️
Three Assists🅰️🅰️🅰️
Six goals contributions in eight games for Rele Mofokeng🤝🔥💯#OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/aOmYTnO2cT
After strong showings in the CAF Confederation Cup, they are now making their CAF Champions League semi-final debut.
This encounter is more than a match—it’s a clash of footballing ideologies. Pirates, with a legacy dating back nearly a century and a continental title in 1995, embody tradition and endurance.
Pyramids, sleek and ambitious, aim to rewrite African football’s established order through investment, flair, and innovation.
The tactical contrast is striking. While Pirates prefer a compact structure with swift counter-attacks, Pyramids play a high-pressing, possession-heavy style led by creative midfielders like Ramadan Sobhi.
Their 4-1 thrashing of FAR Rabat in the quarter-finals is evidence of their attacking threat when given space to exploit.
Key matchups could decide the fate of the tie. The duel between Makgopa and Pyramids’ veteran defenders, as well as the midfield battle between Patrick Maswanganyi and Sobhi, is set to be pivotal.
Form favours Pirates. They’re unbeaten in their last eight across all competitions, have kept four straight clean sheets, and boast a perfect away record in the CAF Champions League knockout stages this season.
Pyramids, on the other hand, arrive winless in their last three matches.
For Pirates and their passionate fan base, The Ghost, this is more than a semi-final—it’s a shot at restoring former glory.
For Pyramids, it’s the next step in their meteoric rise. One side seeks revival, the other revolution.