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Abdeslam Ouaddou cautions against complacency ahead of Lioli CAFCL tie

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No room for complacency against Lioli, says Ouaddou

Photo: Zakes Photography

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his team against complacency ahead of their CAF Champions League two-legged tie against Lioli FC.

The Lesotho side is the home team, but the match will be staged at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday (15h00) as there is no CAF approved venue in their country.

Pirates will be keen to get off to a good start as they aim to go all the way in the competition, having been knocked out in the semi-final stage by eventual champions Pyramids FC last season.

With Lioli little-known and less fancied, the Bucs mentor urged his troops to show utmost respect to the Lesotho champions.

“First of all, we cannot say it’s a team we don’t know, and nobody knows, I think it’s not good to say that. As long as a team qualified for the Champions League and they won the league in their country, we have to give a lot of respect,” said Ouaddou.

“But for us it’s an important game, we take it very seriously. We have prepared for the game; the players are aware of that. We take it very and strongly seriously. It’s a team that we have information on, and we have studied.

“We know their weaknesses and strengths and definitely we are going to play the game with a lot of ambition and seriousness.

The second leg of the first preliminary round clash between the two sides is scheduled for Saturday, 27 September at Orlando Stadium.