Orlando Pirates’ recent domestic form has earned them a rise in the
latest continental club rankings, though they were narrowly denied a place
in the top ten by a team familiar to South African fans: Rulani Mokwena’s MC
Alger.
The Buccaneers moved up one place to 11th in the Africa-wide rankings
compiled by FootballDatabase, which evaluates teams based on both domestic
and continental performances. This climb follows their success in reaching
the Carling Knockout final for the first time in seven years after a 1-0
victory over Richards Bay.
However, the coveted top-ten position was just out of reach. MC Alger, now
coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena, jumped into 10th
place. Mokwena’s side is in formidable form, having won their seventh
consecutive Algerian Ligue 1 match, and currently leads their domestic
standings. This streak edged them three ranking points ahead of Pirates,
blocking the Soweto giants’ entry.
Pirates’ progress in the official CAF rankings, which are based solely on
continental matches, remains stalled after their preliminary round exit from
the Champions League at the hands of Saint Eloi Lupopo—a decision the club
is still contesting.
Elsewhere in the FootballDatabase rankings, Mamelodi Sundowns held firm in
third place despite not playing over the weekend. The top of the table has
seen recent upheaval, with Egypt’s Pyramids climbing to first, pushing Al
Ahly—recent Champions League and Super Cup winners—down to second. The top
five is rounded out by Esperance de Tunis and FAR Rabat, while former
Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids’ Raja Casablanca sits in sixth.
