Orlando Pirates cast as underdogs for African Stars Champions League test

African Stars have arrived in Botswana ahead of a crucial CAF Champions League meeting with Orlando Pirates, who have unexpectedly been labelled the underdogs despite their status as South Africa’s reigning Betway Premiership champions.

The clubs will contest the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, October 17. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.

African Stars reached this stage after overcoming Gabonese opponents AS Mangasport on away goals, following a 3-3 aggregate draw across their opening-round tie.

Orlando Pirates secured their own place in the second preliminary round with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Mauritian side La Cure Waves. That result set up a meeting with the Namibian champions, who are preparing for one of the most significant fixtures in their history.

The Namibian club recently appointed Gerald Guther as head coach after Ronnie Kanalelo left to take charge of Marumo Gallants. Guther now faces the immediate challenge of preparing African Stars for a demanding continental contest against one of Africa’s most established club sides.

Mannetti backs African Stars

Former Santos and Bush Bucks midfielder Ricardo Mannetti has added an unexpected perspective to the tie by describing Orlando Pirates as the underdogs.

Mannetti’s assessment comes despite Pirates’ considerable experience in continental competition and their recent domestic success. The Johannesburg club won the Betway Premiership and will be aiming to take a positive result from the opening match into the return leg.

Pirates are managed by Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose side will be seeking to establish an advantage in Botswana as they pursue progress to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

However, Mannetti believes African Stars should be regarded as the stronger side going into Saturday’s match. His backing has given the encounter an additional talking point ahead of the first leg.

Orlando Pirates’ record and experience in African competition mean they cannot be discounted, even though the trip represents a difficult test against the Namibian champions.

The winner of the tie will move closer to securing a place in the next round of the CAF Champions League, with Pirates hoping their continental pedigree helps them negotiate a challenging opening fixture.