Orlando Pirates kick off their crucial CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg tie against Namibian champions African Stars this afternoon at the Botswana National Stadium (15:00 kick-off).
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made three strategic adjustments to the starting lineup following Tuesday’s 3-0 Betway Premiership victory over TS Galaxy.
Team News & Lineup Changes
- Key Inclusions: Thalente Mbatha, Tshepang Moremi, and Yanela Mbuthuma come into the starting XI.
- Omissions: Thapelo Mokobodi, Oswin Appollis, and Boitumelo Radiopane drop out of the starting team. Mokobodi’s move to the bench comes as a tactical rotation despite standout recent performances.
Orlando Pirates Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
- Defenders: Bulelani Sigomoshe (RB), Nkosinathi Sibisi (C), Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba (LB)
- Midfielders: Thalente Mbatha (CM), Simphiwe Selepe (CM), Simphiwe Masilela (AM)
- Forwards: Tshepang Moremi (RW), Ghampani Lungu (LW), Yanela Mbuthuma (ST)
Substitutes: Siyabonga Dladla (GK), Sbangani Zulu, Deon Hotto, Mtheleleli Mthiyane, Cemran Dansin, Mpho Padime, Kabelo Kgositsile, Bheki Mabuza, Evidence Makgopa.
Coach Ouaddou’s Pre-Match Insights
Addressing the media ahead of the clash, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou stressed squad freshness and respect for their opponents:
“It’s a game, of course, that is very important for us. We prepared very well… African Stars are a very good team and the champions of Namibia. For us, it’s really important to have some freshness to start that game and of course, the target is to manage that game effectively.”
Path to the Second Preliminary Round
- Orlando Pirates: Advanced after a 0-0 draw away to Le Cure Waves in Madagascar, followed by a decisive 3-1 second-leg victory in Soweto.
- African Stars: Staged a thrilling comeback against Gabon’s AS Mangasport, overcoming a 3-1 first-leg deficit to tie 3-3 on aggregate and advance on away goals.
The return leg takes place at the Orlando Amstel Arena next weekend, with aggregate winners advancing to the CAF Champions League group phase.
