Orlando Pirates look to finish off African Stars in second leg CAF encounter

The Buccaneers take a slender 1-0 lead heading into the second preliminary round fixture against the Namibian side and will be looking to finish off the opposition in front of their own supporters in Soweto.

Meanwhile, Stars will be battling to reverse the scoreline and progress to the group stage for the first time in the club's history, having won their first preliminary round clash on away goals against AS Mangasport.

"We really had a great second half [in the first leg]," said Stars coach Gerald Gunter to New Era.

"In the first half, we struggled a bit during the opening 25 minutes before we started playing as we had planned. The heat was also too much for the players, but what affected us most was the lack of game time, which had an impact as the match progressed.

"We will give everything physically and mentally, compete for every ball and fight for one another until the final whistle. We know how important this occasion is."

Meanwhile, Bucs mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a positive update about Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis who missed the first leg clash at the Botswana National Stadium due to injury.

"I'm happy that he [Appollis] was in training," said Ouaddou at the press conference ahead of the return leg.

"The target was to see what he can do, in the warm-up to see if he can sprint, it’s good news, he said he doesn't feel pain.

"But you must understand Oswin is an important player of the team, they are all Ferraris, we need to take care of the engines very well. I don't want to risk any players ahead of these important games or burn anything."

Kick-off is at 20H00.