Orlando Pirates face Champions League test as Abdeslam Ouaddou seeks redemption

Orlando Pirates’ hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage rest on a crucial tie against African Stars, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou under pressure to ensure the South African champions make a convincing statement in Africa.

Pirates begin their final qualifying play-off in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday, with kick-off at 15:00. They face African Stars at the neutral National Stadium in the first leg of a two-match contest, before hosting the return fixture at Orlando Stadium a week later.

Although the outcome will not be decided in Botswana, Pirates cannot afford a hesitant start or leave themselves with too much to do in the second leg. As reigning champions of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), they are expected to represent South African football strongly on the continent, and anything less than an impressive campaign would amount to failure.

The tie also gives Pirates an opportunity to put right last season’s disappointing elimination at the same stage. They were knocked out by Saint-Eloi Lupopo after losing the first leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo, then winning 3–0 at home to draw level on aggregate before being beaten on penalties.

That defeat highlighted concerns over the team’s maturity and Ouaddou’s judgement. The Moroccan coach selected a largely makeshift and experimental line-up for the away match, appearing to underestimate the scale of the challenge.

Pirates have continued to rebuild during the current season, introducing younger players and new talent including Simphiwe Masilela and Thaoelo Mokobodi. The priority now is to preserve the side’s progress in an important tie rather than make unnecessarily complicated tactical decisions.

Ouaddou’s choices were questioned again in the MTN8 final. He selected Thalente Mbatha, who was returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, ahead of Mthetheleli Mthiyane, who had been settling effectively into the team. The decision failed to pay off as Mamelodi Sundowns secured a comfortable 2–0 victory.

Sundowns’ control of that final underlined why they are the reigning African champions and set the standard Pirates must seek to match if they are to challenge their rivals domestically and across the continent. Their success showed how dominance in domestic football can provide a platform for continental ambition.

For Pirates, another failure to reach the group stage would suggest that the club’s rebuilding process has stalled rather than advanced. Winning the league title to end a 14-year drought was a significant achievement, but a club of Pirates’ stature is expected to compete regularly among Africa’s leading teams.

If they fall short against African Stars again, the club’s management may have to consider a difficult decision about Ouaddou’s future. First, Pirates must deliver in Gaborone and take control of the tie.