Abdeslam Ouaddou target CAF Champions League group stage ahead of African Stars test

The Buccaneers failed to qualify for the group stages of the continental competition last season as they lost Saint-Eloi Lupopo 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw over two legs.

They kicked off this season's qualifiers with a 3-1 aggregate win over Mauritian side La Cure Sylvester in September and are currently preparing to face Namibian opponents Stars at the Botswana National Stadium on Saturday.

Ouaddou's charges responded to their Champions League exit last term by winning the Betway Premiership, alongside lifting both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout cups.

This season they have already lost out on the MTN8 to Mamelodi Sundowns and will be eager to make up for that defeat with a strong showing against the Namibian champions.

"It will be important to come back with a positive result," Ouaddou said on IOL. "It's a big year, so we need to get back into the group stage. Last season, we were knocked out by St. Eloi Lupopo, so this is a major target.

"We learned our lesson from last season. It's crucial to return home with a solid result to position ourselves well for the next round."

"It's challenging because their league hasn't started, but we've managed to obtain video footage," Ouaddou added. "We've begun analysing them and have good information, which we'll study further on Thursday and Friday."

African Stars secured their place in the second round of CAF Champions League qualifiers on away goals after a 3-3 draw with Gabon team AS Mangasport.