Simba SC coach Steve Barker has voiced his thoughts on facing Orlando Pirates in Group C of the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stages. The group-stage draw, conducted in Cairo, Egypt, placed Simba alongside South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, Morocco’s RS Berkane, and Cameroonian newcomers Colombe Sportive.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Orlando Pirates enter Group C action following a commanding 5-0 aggregate qualifying win over African Stars, positioning them strongly for opening group fixtures.
- Managerial appointments like Steve Barker taking charge of Simba SC inject fresh tactical dimensions into continental matchups.
- Group C fixtures are scheduled to kick off between November 27 and 29, 2026, offering immediate competitive stakes for fantasy managers and matchday punters.
Group C Realities and Familiar Opponents
The draw at the Egyptian Football Association Headquarters mapped out a challenging path for all four contenders in Group C, which features Orlando Pirates, Simba SC, Moroccan outfit RS Berkane, and Colombe Sportive, a club making history by reaching the group stage for the first time. Barker remarked on facing familiar foes while acknowledging the unique threat posed by the Cameroonian newcomers, stating that every team presents a distinct obstacle for Simba’s continental ambitions.
Steve Barker🇿🇦 leading Simba's title🏆 charge after a slow start in Tanzania 🇹🇿. Barker's Simba SC moved to the top of the table with a 2-1 away victory over Coastal Union on Thursday evening. Barker joined Simba in December last year at a difficult period for the club, with… pic.twitter.com/umyrP8obHc
“And then obviously whenever there’s a newcomer to the Champions League in Colombe, from Cameroon, they’ll also be a challenge. It’s going to be a very challenging group for us, but if you want to reach the far end of such tournaments, you have to get through the group stages regardless of the opposition that you have,” Barker explained.
Navigating the Path to the Knockouts
The objective for the Tanzanian side remains securing a top-two finish to ensure their journey continues into the latter stages of the competition. Barker emphasized the determination required within the squad, adding: “We have to find a way to ensure that we qualify for the knockout stages. So, yeah, very excited overall, and looking forward to it.”
| Team | Association | Previous Best / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Pirates | South Africa | Champions (1995), Finalists (2013) |
| RS Berkane | Morocco | Semi-finalists (Previous Season) |
| Simba SC | Tanzania | Group Stage Contenders |
| Colombe Sportive | Cameroon | Historic Group Stage Debut |
The opening round of group matches is set to take place between November 27 and 29, 2026, with Matchday Two following on December 4–6. Consistency across home and away fixtures will dictate whether Simba and their rivals can successfully navigate one of the continent’s most demanding groups.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
