African Stars captain Ronald Ketjijere says the Botswana National Stadium feels like home as his side prepares to face Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League.

The Namibian champions are hosting the first leg of their second preliminary round tie in Gaborone because they do not have a CAF-approved stadium in Namibia. Ketjijere is not worried about playing away from Windhoek. He believes the venue suits his team well.

“We are in our familiar territory,” the captain said. “Home away from home in Botswana, Gaborone. We have hosted a number of pre-season training camps here. We’ve played almost all the teams here in Botswana, Township Rollers, Gaborone United. You can name them.”

African Stars have used the National Stadium before for camps and matches against local Botswana sides. That history gives the players confidence as they prepare for a tough test against the Betway Premiership champions. Pirates arrive in good form after beating La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate to reach this stage. They know the stadium from previous continental matches in Botswana.

Ketjijere has also called on supporters to turn up in numbers. He does not want his side to feel outnumbered in what he sees as their temporary home ground.

“I’m calling out the fans to come out in big numbers and support African Stars. You’ve seen the brand of football African Stars was playing. Please come out for the love of the game, come support African Stars. We don’t want to be outnumbered in our own backyard,” he said.

The 38-year-old midfielder is a familiar face in South African football. He previously played for University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) in the PSL and has captained the Namibia national team. He balances his playing career with work as a lawyer. His experience will be important as African Stars try to contain a Pirates side that likes to attack quickly on the counter.

Kick-off is set for 15:00 at the Botswana National Stadium. The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the CAF Champions League group stage. The return match takes place next week in Soweto. Stars will need a strong performance in Gaborone if they hope to take a positive result into the second leg.

Pirates are expected to field a strong side under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Stars coach Gerald Guther has prepared his squad thoroughly for the challenge. With Ketjijere leading from the front and stressing the familiar surroundings, the Namibian champions believe they can compete against the bigger South African club.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2111336953459175682