Orlando Pirates legend Steve Lekoelea has warned coach Abdeslam Ouaddou not to leave Oswin Appollis on the bench for tonight’s crucial CAF Champions League second-leg clash against Namibia’s African Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The Buccaneers hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, which was played in Gaborone last weekend. Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal of the match in the 75th minute to give Pirates a narrow lead. The winner of the tie will book a place in the group stage, something the Soweto giants missed out on last season.

Speaking ahead of the match, Lekoelea said the team must go for the win rather than sit back and protect the one-goal cushion. He pointed to the away goals rule as a reason for Pirates to attack from the start.

“These boys they must win. They must attack more since there is goal advantage rule involved in all this,” Lekoelea said. “I hope Ouaddou doesn’t do the same mistake he did against Mamelodi Sundowns and put Oswin Appollis on the bench.”

He added that the coach should field his strongest possible team. “He must put our best XI so that the team wins. If we fail to win, the blame will be on the coaches. We expect Pirates to win since they are at home.”

Lekoelea’s comments come after Ouaddou’s decision to start Appollis on the bench in the recent MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates lost that game 2-0, and many fans and former players felt the absence of the PSL Midfielder of the Season affected the team’s attacking play. Appollis, a Bafana Bafana international, only came on at half-time after an injury forced a change.

The 25-year-old has been a key player for both club and country this season. He has shown strong form with goals and assists, but he also had a short spell on the sidelines recently after being substituted during a Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy. He has since returned to training, and Ouaddou has described him as one of the club’s most important players.

African Stars are expected to be physical and organised as they try to overturn the deficit. However, with the home crowd behind them and a small advantage already secured, Pirates will be under pressure to finish the job. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2113624052912754927