Orlando Pirates return to CAF Champions League action this Sunday as they
face Congolese side Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibasa Maliba
in Lubumbashi.
The Buccaneers head into this second-round preliminary tie brimming with
confidence, having effortlessly navigated the first round with a
commanding 7-0 aggregate victory over Lesotho’s Lioli FC. Their form has
been impeccable, securing eight consecutive wins across all competitions,
including a narrow 1-0 domestic cup victory over Siwelele FC just before
the international break.
Their opponents, Saint-Éloi Lupopo, had a more challenging path, narrowly
edging past Sudan’s Al-Merrikh 1-0 on aggregate to set up this encounter
with the Soweto giants.
Line-Ups Announced
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has named his starting eleven for this crucial
first-leg clash, with Evidence Makgopa leading the line.
Orlando Pirates Starting XI:
Chaine, Lebitso, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto, Nduli, Mbule, Nemtajela,
Sebelebele, Moremi, Makgopa.
Subs:
Dladla, Seema, Ndlozi, Ndaba, Mariko, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Appollis,
Mabasa.
The bench boasts significant firepower, with the likes of Patrick
Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Oswin Appollis all available to make
an impact if needed.