Three changes: Orlando Pirates’ expected starting 11 vs African Stars

African football is back with its CAF Champions League this weekend. Orlando Pirates and African Stars’ second round preliminary qualifier first leg kicks-off at the Gaborone Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is set for 15:00.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: AFRICAN STARS VS ORLANDO PIRATES

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to make a few changes. The Buccaneers were in action just three days ago with a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership.

One of the sure-fire changes will see Thalente Mbatha returning to midfield since the MTN8 final loss to Mamelodi Sundowns. Coach Ouaddou confirmed he rested Mbatha midweek.

Up front, striking workhorse Yanela Mbuthuma is expected to regain his starting place ahead of Boitumelo Radiopane. Kamogelo Sebelebele remains injured. Expect Ghampani Lungu to replace Tuesday’s debutant, Bulelani Sigomoshe, who looked somewhat shaken at right back.

The rotation between Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba should continue after the latter’s start on Tuesday.

DID YOU KNOW?

African Stars have won numerous national league titles. They included four consecutive Namibia Premiership titles from 2022–23 through 2025–26. They also lifted title under the older Namibia Premier League era (1994, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2014–15, and 2017–18).

EXPECTED ORLANDO PIRATES LINE-UP

Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right back: Ghampani Lungu, Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi (captain), Central defender: Lebone Seema, Left back: Deon Hotto, Central midfielder: Thalente Mbatha, Central midfielder: Thapelo Mokobodi, Attacking midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela, Right winger: Tshepang Moremi, Left winger: Oswin Appollis, Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma.

Previous line-up against TS Galaxy on Tuesday: Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right back: Bulelani Sigomoshe, Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi (captain), Central defender: Lebone Seema, Left back: Nkosikhona Ndaba, Central midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela, Central midfielder: Thapelo Mokobodi, Attacking midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela, Right winger: Tshepang Moremi, Left winger: Oswin Appollis, Striker: Boitumelo Radiopane.

WHAT RESULT DO YOU EXPECT?

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