Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised African Stars chairman Salomo Hei for his ambition and professionalism after the Buccaneers secured a 1-0 away victory over the Namibian champions in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.

Pirates travelled to Namibia on Saturday knowing that a positive result would put them in a strong position ahead of the return leg in South Africa. The Soweto giants managed to secure an important victory despite facing a team that had not yet started its domestic league campaign.

Ouaddou admitted that the lack of competitive football could have affected African Stars, but he explained that teams could still prepare for important matches through friendly games and other training methods. The Pirates coach also praised Hei for the work he has done at the club and his ambition as a football leader.

The Moroccan coach said he was pleased to see young African leaders taking responsibility for football clubs. He believes their understanding of the game and their willingness to develop their teams could help improve football across the continent.

Ouaddou also compared Hei's approach to that of other leaders at major South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. He believes African football needs ambitious chairmen who understand the sport and have a clear vision for the future.

The Pirates coach acknowledged that African Stars had made efforts to prepare their players despite not having started their league campaign. He said the Namibian side had played friendly matches and appeared to have a well-organised technical team.

However, Ouaddou explained that Pirates expected their fitness to become an advantage as the match progressed. He believed his players could benefit physically in the later stages, provided they maintained their intensity and defensive organisation throughout the encounter.

The 1-0 victory gives Pirates an advantage heading into the second leg, but the coach will want his team to remain focused and avoid complacency.

Pirates will now prepare for the return fixture in South Africa, where they will aim to complete the job against African Stars and secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stages. Qualification would represent an important step in their continental campaign as they look to compete against some of Africa's strongest clubs.

Source: IDiskiTimes