Confirmed: Three changes in Orlando Pirates’ starting 11 vs African Stars

Coach Ouaddou has made three changes from the team that secured a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership in Soweto on Tuesday.

ORLANDO PIRATES STARTING XI VS AFRICAN STARS

Thapelo Mokobodi, Oswin Appollis and Boitumelo Radiopane have made way for Thalente Mbatha, Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma. Mokobodi’s omission sticks out as a surprise after stellar performances against TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

Orlando Pirates starting line up: Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right back: Bulelani Sigomoshe, Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi (captain), Central defender: Lebone Seema, Left back: Nkosikhona Ndaba, Central midfielder: Thalente Mbatha, Central midfielder: Simphiwe Selepe, Attacking midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela, Right winger: Tshepang Moremi, Left winger: Ghampani Lungu, Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma.

Substitutes: Siyabonga Dladla (GK), Sbangani Zulu, Deon Hotto, Mtheleleli Mthiyane, Cemran Dansin, Mpho Padime, Kabelo Kgositsile, Bheki Mabuza, Evidence Makgopa.

African Stars starting line up: Mervin Kasetura, Tjimbinondjo Tjitemisa, Josef Bonifasiua, Lyema Dopolo, Paulus Gideon, Himeekua Kayijere (C), Lawrence Doeseb, Liam April, Edmar Ronaldo, Rufus Sackie, Willy Stephanus

Substitutes: Rukoro, Collin, Guiseb, Patrick, Nathan, Paul, US A, Martino, Lukas

Previewing this game, Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou said: “It’s a game, of course that is very important for us. We prepared very well. Although we had very, very heavy fixtures but for us it’s an important appointment against a very good team. The champions of Namibia,” the Moroccan told journalists.

“We know that to be able to go through that stage and to win in South Africa against Mangasport after a long, long travel, it means a lot for us. It means that this team has quality experienced players.

“For us it’s really important to have some freshness to start that game and of course the target is to manage that game,” he added.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIRST ROUND

How did the Buccaneers and the Samba Boys reach this stage? Each knockedout opponents in the first round. Orlando Pirates first earned a 0-0 draw away to Le Cure Waves in Madagascar before a 3-1 win in Soweto to finish the job.

African Stars progressed by overcoming a 3-1 first-leg deficit against AS Mangasport, executing a thrilling comeback to tie 3-3 on aggregate and progress on the away-goals rule.

The second leg is set for the Orlando Amstel Arena next weekend. Victory for either side will book a spot in the CAF Champions League group stage.

DO YOU EXPECT ORLANDO PIRATES TO ADVANCE?

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