CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Mihlali Baleka|Published
Orlando Pirates hold a prestigious status in South African football as the reigning champions of the land. That is precisely why anything short of an impressive representation of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on the continent this season must be considered a failure.
Pirates begin their final playoff qualifier for the CAF Champions League group stage in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday afternoon (3pm kickoff), taking on African Stars at the neutral National Stadium.
While this is only the first leg of a two-legged tie, Pirates cannot afford to leave anything to chance, from the opening whistle in Gaborone to the final whistle at Orlando Stadium a week later. They must win the tie, and win it convincingly.
Crucially, the Buccaneers must secure a spot in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition to make amends for last season’s disappointing exit at this exact stage against Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
That defeat exposed a clear lack of maturity from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his squad. At the time, Ouaddou appeared to misjudge the magnitude of the task, fielding a largely makeshift, experimental side in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Pirates attempted to salvage the tie in the return leg, winning 3–0 at home to level the aggregate score, but ultimately crashed out on penalties.
Given that Pirates have continued their rebuilding process this season by integrating fresh talent and youngsters, such as Simphiwe Masilela and Thaoelo Mokobodi, it is important that Ouaddou maintains team momentum rather than overthinking tactical choices in crucial matches.
The Moroccan tactician made that exact mistake in the MTN8 final, starting Thalente Mbatha,who was returning from a lengthy injury layoff, over Mthetheleli Mthiyane, who was settling well into the squad. The gamble backfired significantly as Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a comfortable 2–0 victory.
Sundowns’ dominance in that final also proved why they stand as reigning African champions—a benchmark Pirates must actively strive towards if they want to truly challenge their rivals on all fronts. Sundowns proved that dominating domestic football must serve as a launchpad for continental ambition.
Failure to reach the group stage would signal stagnation rather than progress for Pirates. Should they fall short again, management should not hesitate to make a tough call on Ouaddou’s future. Winning the league title to end a 14-year drought was a monumental achievement, but a club of Pirates’ stature must consistently compete among Africa's elite.
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