Orlando Pirates are heading into one of the busiest stretches of their 2026/27 campaign, with the Buccaneers set for a month that could have a major impact on their domestic and continental ambitions.
After the recent FIFA international break, Pirates return to competitive action on Saturday, 10 October, when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2026 MTN8 Final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The Buccaneers will then quickly turn their attention to the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League before October concludes with another highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates’ October fixture schedule
Pirates’ confirmed October programme currently includes the MTN8 Final, a Betway Premiership meeting with TS Galaxy, two CAF Champions League matches against African Stars and the Soweto Derby.
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Competition: MTN8 Final
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 18:00
The first major assignment of the month will see Pirates take on defending Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns for the MTN8 trophy.
The Premier Soccer League has confirmed Moses Mabhida Stadium as the venue, with the final scheduled to kick off at 18:00.
The match represents a chance for Pirates to begin October with silverware as they continue their campaign under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The PSL confirmed the fixture and venue as part of the official 2026/27 season calendar.
Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy
Competition: Betway Premiership
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Venue: Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto
Kick-off: 19:30
Just three days after the MTN8 Final, Pirates will return to league action against TS Galaxy.
The fixture has been brought forward, with the latest PSL Match Centre listing the game for 13 October at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The change creates a demanding turnaround for the Buccaneers, who will have to manage their squad carefully after the MTN8 Final while also preparing for their next CAF Champions League assignment.
For Pirates, the match will be an opportunity to maintain momentum in the Betway Premiership while navigating a particularly congested period of the season.
African Stars vs Orlando Pirates
Competition: CAF Champions League, Second Preliminary Round
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Venue: National Stadium, Gaborone, Botswana
Pirates will then switch their attention to continental football.
The Buccaneers have been drawn against Namibian champions African Stars in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The first leg is scheduled for 17 October in Gaborone, Botswana, after African Stars selected the National Stadium as their home venue because of stadium requirements for CAF competitions.
Pirates reached this stage after defeating Mauritius’ La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate in the first preliminary round. The club’s progression set up the meeting with African Stars.
The two clubs are now fighting for a place in the CAF Champions League group stage, making the October tie particularly important for the Buccaneers.
Orlando Pirates vs African Stars
Competition: CAF Champions League, Second Preliminary Round
Date: 23-25 October 2026
Venue: South Africa
The second leg will take place in South Africa during the weekend of 23-25 October.
CAF has confirmed that the second preliminary-round return matches will be played during this window, with the aggregate winners advancing to the group stage.
For Pirates, the home leg will provide an opportunity to finish the tie strongly and secure their place among the 16 teams that advance to the Champions League group stage.
Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs
Competition: Betway Premiership
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Kick-off: 15:30
October will end with one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.
Pirates will host Kaizer Chiefs in the first Soweto Derby of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The PSL has confirmed the fixture for Saturday, 31 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30 at Orlando Stadium.
The derby will give Pirates another major test after what could be a physically and mentally demanding month.
A demanding month for the Buccaneers
Pirates’ October schedule highlights the challenge facing the reigning Betway Premiership champions.
The Buccaneers could potentially play five competitive matches across three competitions in the space of just over three weeks.
Their October journey reads:
MTN8 Final → Betway Premiership → CAF Champions League → CAF Champions League → Soweto Derby
The sequence leaves little room for recovery, particularly with the TS Galaxy fixture coming only three days after the MTN8 Final.
It also means squad management will be crucial as Pirates attempt to compete on multiple fronts.
Champions League qualification adds extra pressure
The CAF Champions League tie against African Stars carries significance beyond the two matches themselves.
CAF has confirmed that the winners of the second preliminary round will advance to the group stage, which begins in late November.
Pirates have already shown their intent in the competition by overcoming La Cure Waves in the opening preliminary round. They will now need to negotiate the African Stars tie to keep their continental campaign alive.
The Soweto Derby awaits at the end of the month
The final fixture of October could arguably attract the biggest domestic attention.
Pirates and Chiefs will meet at Orlando Stadium on 31 October, giving supporters another edition of one of African football’s most recognised rivalries.
With the fixture coming after the MTN8 Final, several league matches and the CAF Champions League tie, the condition and availability of Pirates’ squad could be an important factor heading into the derby.
October could shape Pirates’ season
For Orlando Pirates, October is more than just another month on the calendar.
The Buccaneers have an opportunity to compete for the MTN8 trophy, strengthen their position in the Betway Premiership, progress towards the CAF Champions League group stage and finish the month with a victory over Kaizer Chiefs.
That combination makes the coming weeks particularly significant for Ouaddou’s side.
Pirates will need consistency, squad depth and careful management if they are to successfully navigate a schedule that combines domestic cup football, league action and continental competition.
For the Buccaneers and their supporters, the message is clear: October is going to be a month of high stakes.
Our Soccer Updates will continue to provide verified updates on Orlando Pirates, the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and South African football.
Image by Orlando Pirates (Facebook)
