Orlando Pirates begin CAF Champions League campaign against debutants African Stars

Orlando Pirates return to CAF Champions League duty on Saturday when they face African Stars in the second preliminary round at the Botswana National Stadium.

The match, which kicks off at 15h00, sees the South African champions begin another attempt to reach the group stages after last season’s campaign ended at this stage.

Pirates were eliminated by Saint Eloi Lupopo on post-match penalties in the previous edition. They will be hoping to avoid another early exit and take an important step towards progressing in the competition this time around.

The Buccaneers arrive in confident mood after a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership in midweek. That result strengthened their position in second place in the league.

African Stars are appearing in the CAF Champions League for the first time after winning the Namibian title last season. Their route to the second preliminary round included a narrow success over Gabonese side Mangasport in the opening round.

The Namibian champions advanced on the away-goal rule, a result that also preceded a change in the technical area. Gerald Gunther was appointed as the club’s new head coach following that success.

Gunther replaced fellow Namibian Ronnie Kanalelo, who left to join South African club Marumo Gallants.

Pirates have named a starting XI featuring goalkeeper Chaine, with Sibisi, Seema and Ndaba forming part of the defensive selection. Sigomoshe, Selepe and Mbatha are also included, while Masilela, Moremi, Lungu and Mbuthuma complete the line-up.

The Orlando Pirates substitutes are Dladla, Zulu, Hotto, Mthiyane, Dansin, Padime, Kgositsile, Mabuza and Makgopa.

Orlando Pirates starting XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Sigomoshe, Selepe, Mbatha, Masilela, Moremi, Lungu, Mbuthuma

Substitutes: Dladla, Zulu, Hotto, Mthiyane, Dansin, Padime, Kgositsile, Mabuza, Makgopa