Written by Shihaam IsaacsSouth Africa sports betting writer
Published 21 October 2026
Orlando Pirates are preparing for a decisive continental assignment this Friday, 23 October 2026, as they host Namibian champions African Stars in the second leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round qualifier.
The Buccaneers carry a 1-0 aggregate advantage into the home tie at Orlando Stadium, having secured an away victory in the first leg at the Botswana National Stadium on 17 October.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has pointed to the need for a leader in every line of his side. Key to that has been goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who remains a regular presence between the posts after playing every minute of their domestic league triumph.
Progressing past African Stars on Friday would secure Pirates a coveted spot in the CAF Champions League group stage. The fixture also comes before they meet fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the eagerly anticipated Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October.
Meanwhile, Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs will be in continental action on the same day. Amakhosi face Zambia’s Red Arrows on Friday in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie, where they will look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit before shifting focus to the derby.
