Orlando Pirates face an uphill battle to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season, pinning their hopes on a Stellenbosch FC loss to Richards Bay this weekend.

Pirates failed to capitalize on Stellenbosch’s defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. They surprisingly lost their own match against TS Galaxy, marking their second consecutive defeat. The previous week, they were stunned by relegation-threatened Richards Bay at home.

Currently sitting third in the table with 49 points after 29 matches, Pirates are just one point behind second-placed Stellenbosch. Both teams play their penultimate fixtures simultaneously this Saturday: Pirates host SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium, while Stellenbosch travel to a desperate Richards Bay fighting to avoid the relegation playoffs in Durban.

“We have a game against SuperSport United on Saturday,” Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said. 

“We must win that game and hope Stellenbosch doesn’t have a good day. If they do have a good day, then they are in the Champions League next season.”   

Regardless of the weekend’s results, both Pirates and Stellenbosch will participate in continental competitions next season. However, the battle is for the coveted second-place finish, which grants entry into the prestigious CAF Champions League alongside champions Mamelodi Sundowns.