Lyema Dopolo and Liam April share a house in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, are roommates in camp and help each other navigate life away from home and now they face one of their biggest challenges together, taking on Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League.

The South African duo of Dopolo and April will be hoping to help Namibian champions African Stars upset the Buccaneers when the sides meet at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday. Kick off is 3PM.

The second preliminary round first leg gives the pair a chance to test themselves against familiar opposition, with a place in the group stages at stake over two legs.

For April, in particular, the occasion represents a remarkable step from South Africa’s third tier to continental football.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined Stars from Cape Town-based Hope FC after helping the club secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the 2026 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs.

Now, a player who earned his opportunity in Namibia through a trial is preparing to face the Soweto giants.

LIAM APRIL’S JOURNEY FROM MITCHELL’S PLAIN TO CAF FOOTBALL

April’s football journey began in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, with spells at Old Mutual and Hamiltons before an opportunity at Stellenbosch FC.

His 18-month spell with Stellenbosch’s reserve side also brought a positional change. Having played at right-back and elsewhere in defence, April was converted into a central defensive midfielder.

He played alongside Kyle Jurgens during his time in the DStv Diski Challenge before continuing his development at Hope FC.

His contribution to Hope’s promotion campaign preceded an opportunity to move beyond South Africa’s borders.

“Someone I know got me a trial at African Stars, and I made it. Playing CAF, it’s hard to believe, but I’m actually playing CAF,” he said.

When announcing his arrival, Stars highlighted the energy, discipline and strength he would bring to their midfield as they assembled their squad for the continental campaign.

HOW LYEMA DOPOLO HAS HELPED APRIL SETTLE

Moving to Windhoek has also brought April a valuable source of support in Dopolo. The former SuperSport United defender had already gained experience in Namibian football with FC Ongos before joining African Stars in July. His presence has helped April adjust to his new surroundings.

“It helps that I found Lyema here. He’s a good footballer. We stay in the same house in Windhoek; we’re roommates here. We help each other a lot,” April explained.

Their shared South African background adds another layer to Saturday’s encounter, although Dopolo has already made it clear that facing Pirates provides sufficient motivation for the entire Stars squad.

“Those are the type of games where you don’t need motivation. It’s motivation in itself to play Pirates,” Dopolo previously told FARPost.

Stars earned their meeting with Pirates by recovering from a 3-1 first-leg defeat against Gabon’s AS Mangasport. A 2-0 victory at Lucas Moripe Stadium secured their passage to the next round. The return leg against the Buccaneers is scheduled for Saturday, 24 October, at Orlando Amstel Arena.