Orlando Pirates host the Namibian champions at hte Orlando Amstel Arena at 20:00 this evening.

The Buccaneers return to the green grass after last weekend’s 1-0 away win at the Botswana National Stadium. African Stars had moved the game to Gaborone due to a lack of CAF-approved venues in their homeland.

TEAM NEWS: CHANGES TO EXPECT

Friday night’s second leg, following Mandla Ncikazi’s departure, kicks off at 20:00 from the Orlando Amstel Arena. The biggest team news update is the return of Oswin Appollis to full fitness. The Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season is expected to slot back into the line-up on the left-wing. 

Tshepang Moremi will therefore shift to the right wing, while Ghampani Lungu will assume the right-back role ahead of Bulelani Sigomoshe.

The third expected change should be a left-back. Deon Hotto ahead of Nkosikhona Ndaba for higher attacking input.

FULL ORLANDO PIRATES STARTING LINE UP TO EXPECT AGAINST AFRICAN STARS

Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right back: Ghampani Lungu, Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi (captain), Central defender: Lebone Seema, Left back: Deon Hotto, Central midfielder: Thalente Mbatha, Central midfielder: Thapelo Mokobodi, Attacking midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela, Right winger: Tshepang Moremi, Left winger: Oswin Appollis, Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma.

Victory for Orlando Pirates will secure a spot in the group stages. 

The last time Orlando Pirates qualified for the CAF Champions League group stages was during the 2024/25 tournament. Jose Riveiro’s side topped Group C undefeated with 14 points from four wins and two draws.

Their standout results included home-and-away victories over CR Belouizdad, a 3–0 home win against Stade d’Abidjan, and a historic 2–1 away triumph against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

After dominating the group stage, the Buccaneers advanced to the knockout rounds by eliminating Algeria’s MC Alger 1–0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. However, their impressive continental run came to an end in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly eliminated by the eventual tournament champions, Pyramids FC.