Orlando Pirates lose out on millions after CAF Confederation Cup hiding

Orlando Pirates’ defeat to Raja Casablanca in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup was a costly one for the Soweto giants.

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The Buccaneers were handed a 4-0 hiding by Morocco’s Raja Casablanca in the second leg in the North Africa country after the first leg at the Orlando Stadium ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Orlando Pirates banked $350 000 (R4.8 million) for reaching the last eight.

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However, had they progressed to the semi-finals, that would’ve been worth $450 000 (R6.2 million) – even if they lost!

Had they won and then emerged victorious in the final, Orlando Pirates would pocketed a cool $1.25 million (R17.2 million).

It has still been a lucrative season for Orlando Pirates, however.

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In addition to their CAF Confederation Cup winnings, they took home R8 million for lifting the MTN8 trophy last December and R400 000 for reaching the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

Orlando Pirates are currently fourth in the DStv Premiership standings with four matches remaining.

There is an outside chance they can finish the season in second place and secure a CAF Champions League spot, but a third-place finish – and a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup – appears to be a more realistic outcome.

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Orlando Pirates will next be in action on Thursday, 27 May at home against Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu at 17:00 in a must-win clash if they harbour any hopes of a second-place finish.

Following that, Orlando Pirates will be away to TS Galaxy (Sunday, 30 May at 15:00), away to Baroka FC (Wednesday, 2 June at 17:00) and will conclude their season at home against TTM (Saturday, 5 June at 15:00).

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