Orlando Pirates will kick off their CAF Champions League campaign with a first qualifying round clash with La Cure Waves - with the first leg taking place in Mauritius on Sunday.
As the champions of the South African Premiership - one of Africa's most competitive leagues - the Buccaneers will be heavy favourites. However, they, of all teams, know the dangers of complacency during African travels.
Last season, Pirates' Champions League campaign came to an abrupt halt with a second qualifying round defeat to DR Congo's Saint-Éloi Lupopo. The Buccaneers lost 3-0 away and fought back to level the scores on aggregate at home. However, they suffered a bitter defeat in a penalty shootout.
Abdeslam Ouaddou may have been fuming at Lupopo's abrasive style of play, but the loss came during a period when he was publicly urging his players to defend more cohesively. The meanest defence in South Africa has certainly heeded the call since.
In any case, Lupopo are a far superior side on paper to La Cure Waves. Even with the challenges of a long flight and a potentially difficult surface to play upon, Pirates are heavy favourites for Sunday.
The away goals rule is still in effect in CAF Competitions. However, this tie will go straight to penalties without extra time if level after 180 minutes. The second leg is scheduled to take place on September 12 at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The winner of this two-legged tie will face either AS Mangasport or African Stars in the second preliminary round.
Key details
Date: Sunday, September 6 at 1:30 p.m. CAT (11:30 a.m. GMT, 3:30 p.m. local time in Mauritius)
Venue: Côte-d'Or National Sports Complex, St Pierre, Mauritius
Team news
Winger Ghampani Lungu went off injured in Pirates' 4-0 win over Kruger United after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot. The full extent is not known. Ouaddou is likely to tinker with his lineup rather than risk all of his stars on a trip to Mauritius.
Expected lineup
Orlando Pirates
LB Deon Hotto | CB Tapelo Xoki | CB Sbangani Zulu | RB Kamogelo Sebelebele
CM Simphiwe Masilela | CM Simphiwe Selepe
LW Mpho Padime | AM Thapelo Mokobodi | RW Tshepang Moremi
ST Yanela Mbuthuma
Stats
La Cure Waves and Orlando Pirates have never played against each other prior to this tie.
Orlando Pirates have conceded only 2 goals in 8 competitive fixtures across all competitions so far this season.
