Orlando Pirates have named a strong starting XI for their CAF Champions League second-round qualifier against African Stars, although the absence of Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis has emerged as one of the main talking points ahead of Saturday’s crucial encounter.

The Buccaneers will face the Namibian champions at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hoping his side can secure a positive first-leg result and take an important step towards reaching the competition’s group stage.

Pirates enter the match with confidence after recording an impressive 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy earlier in the week. Radiopane was among the players who made an impact in that victory, making his omission from the matchday squad particularly notable.

Appollis is also absent, but the club has not publicly explained why either player has been left out. As a result, supporters have been left to speculate, although there is currently no confirmed indication that either player has been dropped, injured or disciplined.

Ouaddou has made limited changes to the side that featured recently, with Thalente Mbatha coming into central midfield in place of Thapelo Mokobodi. Yanela Mbuthuma returns to the starting lineup and will lead the attack as Pirates look to maintain their recent attacking momentum.

Sipho Chaine starts in goal, with Innocent Sibisi captaining a defensive unit that includes Olisa Ndah, Lebone Seema, Ndaba and Bulelani Sigomoshe. Mbatha is joined in midfield by Selepe and Masilela, while Moremi and Lungu provide attacking support for Mbuthuma.

Pirates’ starting XI is 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 the group stage within reach, Pirates will be determined to avoid conceding an advantage to African Stars and return home with a result that strengthens their position before the second leg.

Source:

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