Pirates Submit 32-Man Squad for CAF CL, Five Sidelined Stars Could Feature Later

(JOHANNESBURG), September 19– Orlando Pirates have officially unveiled their 32-man squad for the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League, with the notable absence of several key players due to injury. However, the door remains open for the sidelined stars to join the continental campaign should the team progress.

The Buccaneers begin their quest for a second African title this weekend against Lesotho's Lioli FC in a preliminary round first-leg clash at the Free State Stadium. The squad announcement confirms that captain Tapelo Xoki, defender Olisa Ndah, midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, and youngsters Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja will not be available for the initial phase.

Injury Sidelines Key Quintet

The omission of the five players comes as no major surprise, as none have featured in the club's early-season Betway Premiership matches due to their respective injuries. Their recovery timelines did not align with the registration deadline for the first phase of the competition.

Despite this significant blow, there is a clear pathway for their return. CAF regulations permit clubs to revise and amend their squad lists at specific intervals during the tournament, notably before the group stage.

A Route Back for Key Players

This rule means that if Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou can guide his team past Lioli and through the subsequent playoff round, the club will have the opportunity to reintegrate the recovering players into their Champions League roster for the group stages.

In their statement, the Soweto giants reinforced their ambition to translate their domestic cup success onto the continental stage. The initial squad, though missing some experienced heads, will be tasked with navigating the early hurdles and setting the platform for a deep run in Africa's most prestigious club competition.

The focus now shifts to Free State, where Pirates will be expected to secure a commanding first-leg advantage against their Lesotho opponents to make their journey towards the group stage—and the return of their key men—that much smoother.