Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates: Buccaneers start CAF Champions League quest
Orlando Pirates begin their quest for continental glory this Saturday, facing Lioli FC of Lesotho in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. The clash will be staged at Toyota Stadium (also known as Free State Stadium) in Bloemfontein, with kick-off at 15:00 CAT.
The Buccaneers come into the tie full of confidence after securing their fourth consecutive MTN8 title, beating Stellenbosch 3-0 in the final earlier this month. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has already delivered silverware in his first few months in charge, though he has urged supporters to stay grounded.
“It doesn’t mean I am a better coach than two months ago,” Ouaddou reminded fans. “Maybe I’m still a plumber or carpenter for many people.” His reference was to the criticism he faced after a poor league start.
For Ouaddou, this tournament is about more than defending domestic silverware. Pirates’ pedigree on the continent demands a serious run, and fans will measure his success by how deep the team can go in Africa’s top club competition.
Lioli look for inspiration
Lioli FC, known as Tse Nala, have dominated Lesotho football in recent years, winning back-to-back Premier League titles. Without a CAF-approved stadium, they will “host” Pirates in South Africa, turning Bloemfontein into temporary home soil.
The team will look to Mokoteli Mohapi, a midfielder with national team experience, to lead their challenge. Lioli began their domestic season strongly, thrashing Members FC 5-0 in their title defence opener.
Still, facing Pirates is a step up in class. The Lesotho side will need discipline and belief to keep the tie alive before next weekend’s return leg at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates’ defensive steel
The Buccaneers enter Saturday’s match boasting an impressive defensive record. They have not conceded in 373 minutes of football, dating back to August when Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners breached them.
With key defenders returning, Ouaddou will be hopeful of extending that streak. Thabiso Sesane is back in training, while skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi made a comeback in the MTN8 final. Injured centre-backs Tapelo Xoki and Olisa Ndah remain unavailable, but squad depth should be enough to cover.
Expected line-ups
Orlando Pirates (predicted XI):
Sipho Chaine (GK); Thabiso Lebitso, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Sesane, Bandile Shandu; Thalente Mbatha, Sihle Nduli; Tshepang Moremi, Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis; Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Lioli FC (predicted XI):
William Huni (GK); Mpho Hlephole, Koetle Tšoanelo, Leluma Posholi, Mphale Mphalaole; Mohapi Sechaba, Mokoteli Mohapi; Thabang Klaas, Litšepe Marabe, Halifele Mokoqola; Tholang Makuru.
Match facts
- Orlando Pirates were the first South African team to lift the CAF Champions League, in 1995.
- Only Mamelodi Sundowns have repeated the feat, in 2016.
- Pirates reached the semi-finals last season under José Riveiro, losing to eventual champions Pyramids FC.
- Lioli FC are two-time reigning champions of Lesotho’s Premier League.
Broadcast: SuperSport will show the match live.
Analysis: Statement game for the Buccaneers
For Pirates, this fixture is as much about setting a tone as progressing. They are expected to dominate, and anything less than a comfortable win will raise eyebrows. Ouaddou may rotate his squad to test depth, but the Buccaneers have enough firepower to secure a strong first-leg result.
Players like Patrick Maswanganyi and Oswin Appollis bring creativity and pace, while striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has been clinical in front of goal. With home advantage in the second leg, Pirates know that a convincing display in Bloemfontein would make life much easier next week.
For Lioli, the challenge is immense. Their best chance lies in frustrating Pirates and capitalising on any defensive errors. Mokoteli Mohapi’s leadership and Litšepe Marabe’s creativity will be crucial if Tse Nala hope to spring a surprise.
Why this campaign matters
Orlando Pirates fans are desperate to see their team lift a continental trophy again. Last season’s semi-final exit reminded them of the progress made, but also of how narrow the margins are at the top level.
If Ouaddou can improve upon that performance, he will not only silence critics but also cement his reputation among the Soweto giants’ passionate fanbase. A strong start against Lioli is non-negotiable.
Check also: Shock as Pirates Star Mbokazi Misses Out on South Africa’s U20 World Cup Squad
