Saturday (16:00 GMT) marks a major opportunity for South Africa's Orlando Pirates to take a big step towards the CAF Champions League quarterfinals when the Bucs host Ivorian underdogs Stade d'Abidjan in action from Group C. Currently in second place, a victory for Pirates would put them in excellent position ahead of a crucial home match against Algeria's CR Belouizdad.
Group C Table
Games Played | Points | |
| 4 | 7 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 1 |
Orlando Pirates
The Buccaneers are about to embark on a busy start to 2025 with three matches in eight days beginning on Saturday, two of them in the Champions League. Jose Riveiro's side are maintaining strong form in South Africa's top division Betway Premiership but must stay focused to clinch qualification from Group C to the Champions League quarterfinals. Supporters were disappointed with missed opportunities in the 1-1 draw between the two teams in mid-December but the squad is getting healthier at a crucial time.
Midfielder Goodman Mosele and defender Olisa Ndah are back in training but are unlikely to be counted upon so soon. Until then, the Bucs defense remains solid if unspectacular with defensive-oriented fullbacks Deano van Rooyen and Paseka Mako. If Riveiro aims for a more attacking look then winger Deon Hotto may line up at left back instead of Mako.
20-year-old youth academy product Relebohile Mofokeng is the central playmaker for the midfield, a department where Riveiro continues to show consistency by selecting Mofokeng along with deeper-lying duo Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula. In the attack, unrevealed off-pitch issues have limited the playing time of wingers Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnepule Saleng but it appears that Maswanganyi is back available. Tshegofatso Mabasa is back from injury and the striker could be selected in place of Evidence Makgopa who continues to come under scrutiny from supporters.
Stade d'Abidjan
The Ivorian club have only one point from three matches but must be given credit for their bold approach that emphasizes attacking and a direct style of play. However, unfavorable circumstances including the inability to host home fixtures at their home venue as well as the lack of a CAF badge for head coach Alexandre Lafitte has seen Les Yéyés settle for a role as spoilers in Group C.
Stade are enjoying strong form, moving into a tie for top spot in Ivory Coast's Ligue 1 following an unbeaten run of five matches. A clever set piece created the equalizer in Stade's 1-1 draw against Pirates, displaying an emphasis from the Ivorian club on practicing corner kicks and free kicks that leaves the South African club wary of this factor on Saturday. Central defender Adama Traoré is a dangerous target for free kick and corner kick services and also anchors the defense along with veteran goalkeeper Drissa Bamba.
In the midfield and attack, former ASEC Mimosas midfielder Essis Aka has represented Ivory Coast in three editions of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and is the metronome in the middle of the park. Roger Assalé is counted on as a playmaker to create danger and opportunities for a rotating cast of forwards who bring high energy but inconsistent finishing.
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