Orlando Pirates return to continental competition on Saturday when they face Namibian champions African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie.
The Soweto giants will be seeking a result that gives them an advantage before the return fixture. Winning the two-legged contest would secure their place in the group stages.
The match will be played at the Botswana National Stadium on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be keen to ensure Pirates avoid another early disappointment in a competition where they have struggled at this stage in recent years. The Buccaneers have suffered two penalty shootout eliminations within three years.
Their most recent setback came last season against Saint Eloi Lupopo. Orlando Pirates were beaten 3-0 away from home in the first leg, but responded with a remarkable comeback in the return match, winning by the same scoreline.
That comeback was not enough to secure progress, however, as Pirates eventually lost the tie on penalties and missed out on a place in the group stages.
With that experience still fresh, Ouaddou’s side will hope to use it to their advantage against African Stars. A favourable first-leg result would ease the pressure before the decisive return fixture.
Qualification for the group stages would represent a significant achievement for Orlando Pirates as they seek to establish themselves on the continental stage this season.
Predicted Orlando Pirates starting XI
Ouaddou could select the following line-up for the first-leg meeting with the Namibian champions:
Sipho Chaine; Ghampani Lungu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba; Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheli Mthiyane, Simphiwe Masilela; Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Boitumelo Radiopane.
