The Buccaneers begin their Champions League revenge mission in Botswana on Saturday
Orlando Pirates will begin their revenge mission against Jwaneng Galaxy from Botswana when the two sides clash in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on Saturday.
Pirates were knocked out at the same stage by the Botswana champions after a 5-4 loss on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
Jose Riveiro’s men have shown different character this season, following their 4-0 thrashing of Disciplines FC of Madagascar in the preliminary round and feel confident of getting one over Morena Ramoreboli’s men.
Form guide
Pirates go into the match in great form after going unbeaten in all their five matches of the season which should give them confidence.
The Buccaneers started the campaign with a 3-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 before the two-legged Champions League first preliminary round and followed it up with a 3-1 win on aggregate against Cape Town City in the semi-final of the MTN8 to seal their place in the final.
Meanwhile, Galaxy have played just two games this season, being their Champions League first preliminary round win against African Stars when they triumphed 6-5 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have had a few run-ins in continental football over the past few years, locking horns in both Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Pirates’ first visit to the Botswana giants yielded a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg of the play-off round of the Confed Cup before they rounded off the tie with a 1-0 win at home in February 2021.
Galaxy had their revenge in the most recent encounter between the two sides as they prevailed with a 5-4 aggregate score on penalties after winning 1-0 at the National Stadium before losing 1-0 in the second leg at Orlando Stadium in September 2023.
What have they said?
Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli is wary of Pirates but is not scared of Riveiro’s men.
“I believe we’re facing the same problem as them [Pirates] with players returning from the national team today [Thursday] – Sibisi, Ndah, Mofokeng, and Mbatha were with the national team, we’re also in that situation,” he told iDiski Times.
“But we are confident enough that we can do well in this game, they are more under pressure because they are a big team and they are supposed to beat a small team. Also, we beat them the last time.
“Are we ready to compete? Yes. Are we ready for the group stages? Yes. Are we scared of Pirates? No.”
Team news
Pirates have welcomed seven players back to camp after their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Jose Riveiro’s options could also soon be boosted by the imminent return to action of the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Bandile Shandu, while newly signed right-back Deano van Rooyen is finally available for selection after his move from Stellenbosch.
Time & where to watch
The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 on Saturday and will be televised live on SABC Sport and SABC+
Pirates possible starting line-up: Chaine, Sesane, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Saleng, Mofokeng, Mabasa