Orlando Pirates to face Namibian champions in a different country

Orlando Pirates’ opponents African Stars will trravel away for their home game. They do not currently have a CAF approved stadium in Namibia that meets the required international standards.

The Namibian champions were forced to play their previous home fixture in Mzansi. It was against AS Mangasport at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

AFRICAN STARS TAKE ORLANDO PIRATES TO BOTSWANA

Stars have confirmed the first leg is scheduled for 17 October at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone. The match is listed for 3pm Namibian time.

That means Orlando Pirates will travel to Botswana rather than Namibia for the first meeting. African Stars booked their place in the second preliminary round after completing a dramatic comeback against AS Mangasport.

The Namibian champions lost the first leg 3-1 in Gabon, leaving themselves with a difficult task in the return fixture.

They responded with a 2-0 victory to level the tie at 3-3 on aggregate. The result was progression on the away goals rule. Their stadium situation has now become a major factor in the next stage of their Champions League campaign.

Instead of welcoming Orlando Pirates in Windhoek, African Stars are expected to stage their home fixture outside Namibia once again. The latest information points towards the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.

African Stars will once again be unable to enjoy the traditional advantage of playing a continental home fixture in front of their supporters in Namibia.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou spoke positively about remaining within the region for both matches, particularly during a busy period of the season.

It creates an unusual CAF Champions League tie for the Buccaneers. They will face the Namibian champions, but their away match will take place in Botswana rather than Namibia.

For African Stars, the lack of a CAF approved home stadium remains a significant challenge as they continue their continental campaign.

SECOND LEG COMING TO SOWETO

Orlando Pirates entered the second leg against Mauritian side La Cure Waves needing to finish the job after being held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

The Buccaneers then suffered an early scare at home when La Cure Waves took the lead in the sixth minute through Ivan Ami.

A 3-1 victory was enough to send the Sea Robbers through with a 3-1 aggregate victory and into the second preliminary round.