Orlando Pirates Coach Ouaddou Explains Deon Hotto’s Absence Against African Stars

Tshepang Moremi Fires Orlando Pirates to a 1-0 Victory Over African Stars in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Namibia’s African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie, courtesy of a 75th-minute strike by Tshepang Moremi at the Botswana National Stadium. Moremi latched onto a decisive opening to net his fifth goal in 10 appearances for the Buccaneers, handing the Betway Premiership champions a slender advantage ahead of the return leg.

Sweltering Heat and Early Pressure Shape the Clash in Gaborone

The Soweto giants started brightly on Saturday despite temperatures climbing past 35 degrees Celsius. In the 15th minute, Simphiwe Masilela delivered a corner that found Gamphani Lungu, whose diving header narrowly missed the target. Striker Yanela Mbuthuma also went close on multiple occasions, drawing a save from African Stars goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura and firing wide after receiving a through ball from Bulelani Sigomoshe.

African Stars gradually grew into the contest, testing Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine with sporadic counter-attacks. However, captain Himeekua Ketjijere and the home defence absorbed sustained pressure for much of the match until Moremi broke the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining.

Abdeslam Ouaddou Warns the Job Remains Unfinished in Johannesburg

Speaking to the media after the match, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou cautioned that his side is far from securing qualification. As reported by the Sowetan, Ouaddou emphasized that the team must remain focused for the return fixture at Orlando Amstel Arena.

I think we have succeeded in the first half of the two games and we still have the second half in South Africa, Ouaddou told reporters. I cannot say we have one foot in the group stages. We still have an important second half there and we will have to prepare for this to qualify for the group stages.

Addressing the challenging weather conditions in Botswana, the coach noted that his technical team factored the heat into their weekly tactical preparation. We prepared the boys because, you know, when you play in the Champions League, you have to adapt to any condition, and it’s part of the development of the boys, Ouaddou said.

Tactical Decisions and Squad Rotation Highlighted by the Technical Team

The match also saw experienced Namibian international Deon Hotto left on the bench. Ouaddou explained that the veteran’s absence was purely tactical rather than a reflection of his standing in the squad.

Today he was part of the impact players. Unfortunately, the game didn’t give me the opportunity to bring him, Ouaddou told Goal.com, pointing to the flow of the match as the sole reason for not deploying the midfielder.

Return Leg Scheduled at Orlando Amstel Arena

Orlando Pirates carry their 1-0 lead into Friday’s deciding fixture against the Samba Boys in South Africa. Victory or a draw in the second leg will secure the Soweto giants a coveted spot in the CAF Champions League group stages.