Former Orlando Pirates winger Tlou Segolela has weighed in on the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg encounter between the Buccaneers and Namibian outfit African Stars FC, describing the fixture as a tricky test for Abdeslam Ouaddou‘s side.

The Soweto giants will face African Stars this afternoon, 17 October, at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana. The kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

African Stars moved their Champions League home game against Pirates to Botswana because Namibia lacks CAF-accredited, compliant facilities.

TLOU SEGOLELA ON ORLANDO PIRATES FACING AFRICAN STARS

Segolela reflected on the squad that faced African Stars in 2018—reminding fans how tightly contested these matchups against SADC teams can be.

“You know, it’s a very interesting and tricky fixture for the SADC countries. You look at two sides; yes, Pirates is doing well, but what I know is that, in previous meetings against African Stars, they [Pirates] drew [0-0] at home and then beat them [African Stars] away with a Justin Shonga goal. I think that was in 2018, and that on its own shows that this kind of fixture is very tricky,” Segolela told FARPost in an exclusive interview.

The ex-PSL speedy attacker noted that regional opponents often raise their game when facing a giant of Pirates’ stature. However, he remains confident in the current crop of young talent at Bucs, provided they maintain the right mindset.

“For Pirates, when these SADC teams meet a team of Pirates’ calibre, they tend to double or treble their efforts,” Segolela added.

“However, with how Pirates is playing at the moment, these youngsters are doing their best. I don’t foresee us struggling to get a victory, as long as we don’t undermine them. Also, we should follow what the coach needs, which is goals.”

TLOU SEGOLELA ON ORLANDO PIRATES FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE IN AFRICA

Having experienced continental football firsthand, Segolela emphasised the tactical maturity needed when playing away from home in the Champions League, warning against an overly open approach that could leave the Soweto giants vulnerable in the return leg.

“We expect goals from Pirates’ side, as they have done in their previous encounter against TS Galaxy in the league,” he stated.

“But remember, when you play in the Champions League, you cannot go there and open up because you will get a beating, and in the return leg at home, it is a mountain to climb. So, obviously, they will be cautious in their approach. But what is important is for them not to come back home with a loss.”