Xoki urges Orlando Pirates to focus on African Stars before busy fixture run

Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki says the club’s immediate priority is securing progress in the CAF Champions League, despite facing three matches in eight days.

The Buccaneers welcome African Stars on Friday with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. They will then play Milford in the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday before meeting Kaizer Chiefs in next Saturday’s Soweto Derby.

Pirates must manage the physical demands of the schedule while maintaining their concentration, but Xoki insists the squad is looking no further than the second leg against African Stars.

“For us, we put all of our energy and focus on the next game, it’s a big game for the club. We want to take the club to the group stages, we learnt from our lessons last season. We have a lead but we’re playing at home so it’s all about the energy tomorrow,” he said.

The club is determined to avoid another disappointment after falling short of their objective last season. Although Pirates take a narrow lead into Friday’s match, Xoki stressed that the tie remains unfinished.

Playing at home gives the Buccaneers the chance to complete the job in front of their supporters, but the experienced defender says the team must approach the match with the required intensity.

The coaching staff will also be central to helping the squad navigate the demanding sequence of fixtures. Pirates will need to manage their players and preparation carefully, while ensuring the African Stars match remains the sole focus before attention turns to domestic competition.

“For us, it’s about the technical staff guiding us through the game and after that, we’ll focus on those games when they come but for now, it’s all about African Stars.”

The first task is therefore to protect their advantage and secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stages. Only after that match will Pirates turn to their Carling Knockout Cup meeting with Milford.

The short turnaround then leads into the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most significant fixtures on the domestic calendar.

Xoki’s message is that the players understand the scale of the challenges ahead, but will not allow the upcoming matches to distract them from African Stars. For Pirates, completing their continental mission comes before the cup tie and the derby.