Pirates set sights on CAF Champions League group stage

The Orlando Pirates football club has vowed to eliminate all risks of being eliminated before the group stage of the CAF Champions League when they face Namibia's African Stars at their home ground in Soweto. The Buccaneers' coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, emphasizes that they won't tolerate a repeat of last season's disappointment, when they were swept out by the DRC's Saint Eloi Lupopo F.C.

Pirates enter the second leg of the preliminary tie with a 1-0 lead, following their victory over the Namibian side in Botswana last Saturday.

The club's supporters remain proud of their past triumphs, including winning Africa's premier club football competition in 1995, which earned them a star on their jersey over 30 years ago. They came within a whisker of replicating that success in 2013, reaching the final only to lose to Egyptian giants Ahl Ahly. Another close call occurred two seasons ago under Jose Riveiro, when they lost to Egyptian side Pyramids in the semi-finals.

However, Pirates have not matched the success of Mamelodi Sundowns, who clinched a second CAF Champions League title last year. The Pirates faithful have been disheartened by the team's repeated eliminations before the group stages in the last three seasons. Ouaddou stresses the importance of consistently performing well in the competition and going as far as possible.

He states that it's a crucial goal for the club, given last season's missed opportunity, and that they aspire to see Pirates as a formidable presence in the Champions League, on par with other big teams. He draws a parallel to Morocco's absence in the World Cup, highlighting the significance of Pirates' participation in the competition.