Orlando Pirates have named a strong starting XI for their CAF Champions League second-round qualifier against African Stars, but the absence of Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis has raised questions ahead of Saturday's crucial encounter.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has selected his team for the first leg against the Namibian champions, which will be played at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.

Pirates will be looking to secure a positive result that strengthens their chances of reaching the competition's group stage.

The Buccaneers head into the fixture with confidence after producing a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy on Tuesday. However, despite that impressive performance, Ouaddou has made some notable selection decisions that could attract attention among supporters.

One of the biggest talking points is Radiopane's absence from the matchday squad.

The striker found the back of the net against TS Galaxy, making his omission particularly surprising given his contribution to the team's recent victory.

Appollis is also missing from the squad, and Pirates have not publicly provided reasons for either player's absence.

For now, supporters will have to wait for further information rather than assume the players have been dropped, injured or disciplined.

On the pitch, Ouaddou has opted for limited changes to his starting team. Thalente Mbatha comes into central midfield in place of Thapelo Mokobodi, while Yanela Mbuthuma returns to lead the attack.

Mbuthuma's inclusion gives Pirates another opportunity to build on their recent attacking momentum as they prepare for a demanding continental test.

The starting XI features Sipho Chaine in goal, with Olisa Ndah's defensive colleagues including captain Innocent Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Paseka Mako's replacement at left-back in the selected setup, Ndaba and Sigomoshe. In midfield, Mbatha joins Selepe and Masilela, while Moremi and Lungu support Mbuthuma in attack.

Orlando Pirates starting XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Sigomoshe, Selepe, Mbatha, Masilela, Moremi, Lungu and Mbuthuma.

The substitutes are Dladla, Hotto, Zulu, Mthiyane, Dansin, Padime, Kgositsile, Mabuza and Makgopa.

With a place in the group-stage picture at stake, Pirates will want to avoid giving African Stars an opportunity to gain an advantage before the return leg.

A strong performance in Gaborone could put the South African side in a favourable position heading into the next encounter.

The match now presents Ouaddou with an opportunity to demonstrate the depth of his squad, while the missing players remain an important talking point.

Pirates supporters, what do you make of Radiopane and Appollis missing from the squad, especially after the win over TS Galaxy? And is this starting XI strong enough to secure a first-leg advantage? Share your thoughts below.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2111457445272818153