Sibisi calls for strong start as Orlando Pirates kick-off CAF campaign

Orlando Pirates are back on the continental stage this weekend as they launch their CAF Champions League campaign in Bloemfontein against Lesotho champions Lioli FC.

The preliminary round first leg takes place at Toyota Stadium on Saturday at 3pm, with Lioli hosting the tie away from home due to the lack of CAF-approved venues in their country.

Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has underlined the importance of a strong start as the Buccaneers look to build on last season’s progress in the competition. 

“It’s going to be very important to start very strong in this competition and off the back of last season, we know what to expect and we’ve prepared well for it,” Sibisi said.

Lioli, winners of the last two Lesotho Premier League titles, are no strangers to punching above their weight but face an uphill battle against one of Africa’s established giants. 

Based in Teyateyaneng, they will pin their hopes on national team midfielder Mokoteli Mohapi, but much depends on whether they can withstand Pirates’ quality and momentum.

The Buccaneers arrive on a high after lifting the MTN8 for the fourth consecutive year, brushing Stellenbosch aside 3-0 in Mbombela last weekend. 

That victory not only extended Pirates’ domestic dominance in the cup but also gave head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou his first silverware in charge.

Still, the French-Moroccan has been measured in his response. 

“It doesn’t mean I am a better coach than two months ago, I think maybe I’m still a plumber or carpenter for many people,” he said, reflecting on the criticism that accompanied a poor start to the league season.

Ouaddou is expected to rotate his squad in Bloemfontein, with the fixture providing opportunities for fringe players while he manages a demanding calendar. 

The return leg is set for Orlando Stadium next weekend, and Pirates will want the tie wrapped up before then.

At the back, injuries continue to limit options. Tapelo Xoki is sidelined after a knee injury sustained in a car accident, while Olisa Ndah is still working towards full fitness. 

Sibisi’s return in the MTN8 final was a timely boost, while youngster Thabiso Sesane has also rejoined training, bolstering defensive cover.

Pirates have been rock solid defensively in recent weeks, going 373 minutes without conceding since Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners struck against them on August 23. 

That resilience, coupled with their attacking fluency, makes them clear favourites against Lioli.

Last season under José Riveiro, Pirates reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2013 before falling to eventual winners Pyramids FC. 

Improving on that run would cement Ouaddou’s place in Buccaneers history, but the journey to continental redemption begins with Saturday’s assignment in Bloemfontein.

For Sibisi and his teammates, the message is clear: a strong start now could set the tone for another deep run in Africa.