Make or break for Abdeslam Ouaddou as Orlando Pirates begin Champions League's quest

Orlando Pirates face African Stars at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Gaborone’s National Stadium in Botswana in the first leg of the final qualifying playoff for the CAF Champions League group stage. The South African club, coached by Abdeslam Ouaddou, must qualify convincingly after last season’s elimination by Saint-Éloi Lupopo. Pirates won the return leg 3-0 after losing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but were knocked out on penalties. The club is continuing its rebuild this season by bringing in young players, including Simphiwe Masilela and Thaoe.