Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has stressed the importance of reaching the CAF Champions League Group Stage this season.

The Buccaneers are set to face African Stars in the second preliminary round when they meet at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.

Pirates come into this fixture high in confidence following their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership.

Ouaddou says his side have learned valuable lessons from that setback and are focused on securing a positive home result to boost their chances of progressing to the next round.

“It’s important this year to get in the group stages. Last season, unfortunately, we were knocked out by Lupopo, and it’s a big target this season,” Ouaddou told the media.

“So, we took a lesson from last season. It will be important to come back with a very good result at home in order to get an opportunity to qualify for the second game.”