Ouaddou ‘shields’ Mbuthuma as Pirates eye Champions League Group stage
Orlando Pirates need only a draw to book their Champions League group stage place, and Abdeslam Ouaddou has shaken up his XI to get there.
The Buccaneers host Namibia’s African Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena in the second leg – the game starts at 8pm.
The Soweto side hold a healthy advantage after a 1-0 away win last weekend. A draw at home is enough to send them through, and Ouaddou has felt confident enough to rest some of his regulars.
Veteran defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has been rested, with Sbangani Zulu taking his place in central defence. Nkosikhona Ndaba continues at left back.
Deon Hotto starts among the substitutes against the team that first made his name back home in Namibia, a storyline that will not go unnoticed.
Perhaps the biggest call is up front. Under-fire striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who came under the spotlight again after missing a few easy chances last weekend, has been dropped to the bench.
Evidence Makgopa starts in his place, in what looks like a move to protect the striker from further scrutiny.
Pirates XI: Chaine; Sigomoshe, Ndaba, Seema, Zulu; Selepe, Mokobodi, Mbatha; Masilela, Moremi, Makgopa
Subs: Dladla, Derbyshire, Hotto, Mthiyane, Dansin, Padime, Kgositsile, Lungu, Mbuthuma
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