Nkosinathi Sibisi backs Orlando Pirates to compete for every trophy this season

Pirates were drawn in Group C alongside Moroccan side RS Berkane, Tanzania's Simba SC and Cameroonian outfit Colombe Sportive. They are the only South African representatives following Mamelodi Sundowns' elimination.

The Buccaneers return to the group stages after missing out last season, having reached the semi-finals in 2024/25 under former coach Jose Riveiro before suffering an early exit under Abdeslam Ouaddou last campaign.

Sibisi believes the competition will provide an opportunity to measure their progress against Africa's best.

"I think the Champions League is a different ball game. It's a level higher, and I think it's going to be a good test to see where we are as a team," Sibisi said.

"In the past two seasons, we fell short, and we've been able to identify and try to rectify the areas where we fell short."

Sibisi and his charges beat Amakhosi this past weekend 2-1 at FNB Stadium, but they remain second placed on the Betway Premiership log with 25 points, while top of the log side Mamelodi Sundowns are on 26 points.