Golden opportunity for African Stars youngsters against Pirates

African Stars captain Ronald Ketjijere has highlighted the opportunity awaiting his young teammates as they prepare to face Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League, with the Namibian side looking to make their mark on a big stage.

The two sides meet in the decisive second leg of the second preliminary round, with Stars needing a strong performance against the Soweto giants to keep their continental campaign alive.

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Pirates, who have won the competition once, enter the encounter with considerable continental pedigree, while African Stars are still gaining experience at this level.

A chance to showcase their talent

According to Ketjijere, the encounter presents a valuable platform for the younger players to showcase their ability, particularly with the possibility of scouts watching.

However, the skipper has also stressed that their focus must remain on the team's ambitions rather than individual recognition.

"I think it presents a very good opportunity for them. What we have been telling them is to be fearless and to play under no pressure at all. Pirates, as a big team, they will bring the game to us," Ketjijere said to the media.

"In the situation in which we find ourselves now, of course, we will also have to take the game to them.

"In terms of that, it presents a very good platform where probably a number of scouts will be around. So, they must first play for the team and not for themselves.

Ketjijere's message to the young players

"That's very key when we are addressing these things. Young players that haven't played at this level, sometimes they tend to be selfish and think about themselves before the team.

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"Those are the type of conversations that we have with them."

The two sides meet at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night, with African Stars aiming to rise to the occasion against the Buccaneers.

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African Football News African Stars FC Caf Champions League Orlando Pirates