Orlando Pirates News Today: Stars not down! Why rotation? Downs beat Chiefs, Pirates, & more…

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Stars not down! Why rotation? Downs beat Chiefs, Pirates, & more…

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including a warning to the Sea Robbers, Abdeslam Ouaddou opens up on need for rotation, Mamelodi Sundowns’ presence felt, and more.

Pirates news as they break

Not over! Pirates warned

African Stars FC coach Gerald Güther remains optimistic that they can turn things around against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League 2nd preliminary round, 2nd leg encounter on Friday at Orlando Amstel Arena. Pirates lead 1-0 from the first leg.

“Of course you know, we are not down and out, we still have another game to go, another 90 minutes and we’re definitely planning to go out there and give it everything,” Güther said. 

“We were rubbing shoulders with some of the best players on the continent and I think we did well so I think it will be quite a bit of energy for us to feed off and come next week Friday, we are gonna leave everything on the field to make sure that we try and get what we deserve.”

African Stars have two South African players in their team, defender Liyema Dopholo and midfielder Liam April. 

Orlando Pirates vs African Stars in CAF Champions League
Orlando Pirates vs African Stars in CAF Champions League. Image: Orlando Pirates

They both had a good game against Pirates, as Güther looks back at their performances.

“They are very important members of the squad, good boys, very disciplined, on and off the field. I think that they did very well today but I know that there is more, I know they can bring more and I’m pretty sure after this particular match that will be something to see from the boys,” the coach added.

Ouaddou on rotation

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says squad rotation will be crucial as the Buccaneers navigate a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.

Pirates continued their CAF Champions League campaign on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over African Stars in the first leg of the second preliminary round. The Soweto giants still have three domestic competitions to contest after recently suffering defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

Ouaddou expects Pirates to play close to 60 matches this season and insists he will need to make full use of his squad to manage the workload and keep his players fresh.

“We have a lot of fixtures. We play in the Carling [Knockout] Cup. We will play in the second leg, we have the derby. This season we are going to play nearly 60 games,” Ouaddou opened up.

Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates players in training, Image – Orlando Pirates

“So, if you have seen the way that I’m working, the principle of rotation, with starting XI, with impact players. You understand that I never call my players substitution. There is no substitution. There is only players and impact players.”

Downs beat Chiefs, Pirates

African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have overtaken Kaizer Chiefs as the most-followed South African club on Instagram, with Orlando Pirates sitting third among the PSL’s big three.

Masandawana are setting the pace on and off the pitch, with their ever-growing social media presence seeing the Tshwane side boast more Instagram followers than Kaizer Chiefs, while Orlando Pirates complete the podium in third on the photo-sharing app.

Sundowns have edged past the traditional Soweto giants, claiming the top spot for Instagram followers in South African football. The Brazilians lead on Instagram with 1.3 million loyal followers, ahead of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, who round out the top three. 

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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