Orlando Pirates Warned Against Complacency - Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Urges Focus After First Leg Win
Orlando Pirates claimed a 1-0 away victory over African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifier, thanks to Tshepang Moremi's late goal. Despite the advantage, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou urged his players to stay focused and avoid complacency ahead of the crucial second leg in Soweto. With a place in the group stage at stake, Pirates aim to build on their disciplined performance and redeem themselves after last season's early exit.
- Orlando Pirates won 1-0 against African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifier.
- Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou cautioned his team against complacency for the second leg in Soweto.
- Pirates aim for group stage qualification, seeking to improve on last season's early exit.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his players ahead of Friday's second leg vs African Stars (Getty Images).
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his side against complacency after securing a 1-0 away victory over African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League tie on Saturday.
Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, giving the Buccaneers an advantage ahead of the return leg in Soweto.
Ouaddou Calls For Focus After Pirates Win
Ouaddou believes Pirates have made a positive start to the two-legged tie but insists the job is far from complete. “I think we have succeeded in the first half of the two games and we still have the second half in South Africa,” he said.
The coach wants his players to remain focused and avoid underestimating their opponents despite taking the lead away from home. Pirates will need to maintain their discipline and build on their first-leg performance to secure qualification for the group stage.
Moremi Gives Buccaneers The Advantage
Moremi proved decisive with his 75th-minute strike from a Kabelo Kgositsile assist, handing Pirates a valuable victory in a challenging away fixture. The result puts the Soweto side in a strong position heading into the second leg.
Pirates’ victory came after a disciplined performance in difficult conditions in Gaborone, Botswana, where the team had to manage temperatures of around 35°C.
Pirates Prepare For Decisive Second Leg
The Buccaneers will host African Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto for the return leg on Friday, 23 October 2026, with kick-off time still to be confirmed. Pirates will advance to the group stage if they avoid defeat, but Ouaddou wants his team to approach the match with the same determination shown in Botswana.
The coach also highlighted the importance of reaching the group stage after Pirates’ elimination at the same qualifying stage last season. He believes the experience gained from that setback can help his side finish the job and secure a place among Africa’s top clubs.
How Bucs Lined Up
Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1 formation): Chaine; Sigomoshe, Seema, Sibisi (Zulu 70’), Ndaba; Selepe (Mthiyane 82), Mbatha; Lungu (Kgositsile 70), Masilela, Moremi (Padime 82’); Mbuthuma (Makgopa 70’).
Unused subs: Dladla, Hotto, Dansin, Mabuza.
With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.
His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.
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