Orlando Pirates have been handed a potentially huge advantage in their CAF Champions League preliminary-round battle against African Stars.
The Buccaneers are one step away from the group stages, and their upcoming two-legged tie could be made easier by an unusual twist: African Stars will host their home fixture at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Instead of travelling to Namibia, Orlando Pirates will effectively remain on familiar South African territory for the away leg.
Pirates avoid a trip to Namibia
African Stars have selected the Lucas Moripe Stadium as their home venue for the CAF Champions League encounter.
For Pirates, that could prove to be a significant advantage.
The Buccaneers will only have to make a relatively short journey to Pretoria, turning what would normally be a difficult away trip into a fixture played in surroundings they already know.
Pirates have also previously played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, meaning Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side should be familiar with the pitch and conditions.
The lack of international travel could also help the Buccaneers manage their preparation and recovery across the two legs.
More time for injured Pirates stars
The matches are scheduled for October, giving Pirates several more weeks to recover some of their injured players.
The Buccaneers currently have players such as Thalente Mbatha and Gamphani Lungu on the injury list, but the additional recovery period could work in Ouaddou’s favour.
By the time the Champions League tie arrives, Pirates could have a stronger squad available and greater depth to deal with the demands of domestic and continental football.
That could be particularly important as the club continues to balance its CAF Champions League campaign with its domestic commitments.
Deon Hotto faces his former club
The tie will also have a personal storyline for Pirates winger Deon Hotto, who could come up against his former club African Stars.
Hotto’s experience of Namibian football could provide another interesting subplot as Pirates prepare for the encounter.
However, the Buccaneers cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
African Stars have already demonstrated their ability to perform at the Lucas Moripe Stadium after recording a 2-0 victory over Gabonese side AS Mangasport at the Pretoria venue.
Another CAF Champions League group-stage appearance?
Pirates will therefore have plenty going in their favour, but they still need to produce on the pitch.
Progress against African Stars would send the Buccaneers into the CAF Champions League group stages for the second time in three years, keeping their hopes of another deep continental run alive.
With the away leg effectively taking place on home soil and more injured players potentially returning, Pirates appear to have been handed a favourable set of circumstances.
But the question remains: Can Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Buccaneers take advantage and win another CAF Champions League star?
For Pirates supporters, the road to continental glory may have just become a little easier.
