Orlando Pirates are in Botswana for their next assignment as they prepare to face off against Jwaneng Galaxy in their away leg of the Second Preliminary Round of the CAF Champions League.

The fixture takes place on Saturday at the National Stadium in Gaborone and is another crucial tie for the Soweto Giants who have to navigate one more hurdle in their quest for an extended run in Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

Both teams head into the fixture having spent a big chunk of the past week without a few key first team squad members, who had departed for national duty.

Goitseone Phoko and Benson Mangolo were both starters as Botswana suffered defeat at home to Egypt earlier in the week, and were among eight Galaxy players called up to the national team.

Pirates meanwhile have welcomed seven players back to camp after their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Jose Riveiro’s options could also soon be boosted by the imminent return to action of the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Bandile Shandu, while newly signed right-back Deano van Rooyen is finally available for selection after his move from Stellenbosch.