Orlando Pirates are expected to make three changes when they face African Stars in the CAF Champions League second round preliminary qualifier first leg at Gaborone Stadium on Saturday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou set to rotate his squad after the Buccaneers beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Betway Premiership just three days ago.
Thalente Mbatha is expected to return to the midfield after missing the midweek victory. Ouaddou confirmed that Mbatha had been rested, having last featured in the MTN8 final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.
Yanela Mbuthuma is also in line to reclaim his place in attack, with Boitumelo Radiopane expected to drop to the substitutes’ bench. Kamogelo Sebelebele remains unavailable because of injury.
At right-back, Ghampani Lungu is expected to replace Bulelani Sigomoshe, who made his debut in Tuesday’s match but appeared unsettled in the position.
The rotation between Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba is also expected to continue. Ndaba started against TS Galaxy, with Hotto likely to return to the left-back position for the trip to African Stars.
The anticipated Orlando Pirates starting line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Right-back: Ghampani Lungu
Central defenders: Nkosinathi Sibisi (captain), Lebone Seema
Left-back: Deon Hotto
Central midfielders: Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Mokobodi
Attacking midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela
Right winger: Tshepang Moremi
Left winger: Oswin Appollis
Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma
The line-up used against TS Galaxy on Tuesday was listed as Sipho Chaine in goal, Bulelani Sigomoshe at right-back, Nkosinathi Sibisi as captain alongside Lebone Seema in central defence, and Nkosikhona Ndaba at left-back.
Simphiwe Masilela and Thapelo Mokobodi were listed in midfield, while Simphiwe Masilela was also listed as the attacking midfielder. Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis occupied the wide positions, with Boitumelo Radiopane named as the striker.
African Stars’ domestic record
African Stars have won numerous national league titles in Namibia. Their honours include four consecutive Namibia Premiership championships from 2022–23 through 2025–26.
The club also won titles during the former Namibia Premier League era in 1994, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2014–15 and 2017–18.
