After a topsy-turvy start by Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers' rankings in Africa have been updated ahead of the start of the CAF Champions League.
The Buccaneers had a worrying start in the Betway Premiership under Ouaddou, following back-to-back defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.
However, the Soweto giants went into the international break with a revival underway, after two straight wins over Orbit College and Chippa United.
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Ouaddou's charges are currently lying fifth in the Premiership standings with nine points after five rounds of matches.
Former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro left the club having made remarkable strides in the Africa club rankings, as the Buccaneers entered the top ten clubs on the continent for the first-time since the Spanish coach was in charge after reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals last season, as per FootballDatabase.com.
With the above-mentioned rankings website updating the club's positions weekly, The Ghosts after their 3-0 win over Chippa are placed 14th in Africa with 1508 points.
Pirates gained a massive 115 points over the past year on average, only bettered by the rise of RSB Berkane (who accumulated 225 points over a one year period, after they won the CAF Confederation Cup) of clubs in the top 20 in Africa.
The official club rankings released by CAF at the beginning of last month, prior to the Champions League draw placed Pirates at 15th on the continent.
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The Buccaneers' progression in the CAF Champions League will be key if they are to return to the top ten in Africa, as they will begin the first preliminary round against Lesotho outfit Lioli on 19 September, just after the international break.
A higher ranking in future would also ensure Pirates get a bye in the first preliminary round.
