BOTSWANA soccer giants Gaborone United's participation in the 2010 African Champions League is over and that will be formalised in Port Elizabeth on February 28.

BOTSWANA soccer giants Gaborone United's participation in the 2010 African Champions League is over and that will be formalised in Port Elizabeth on February 28.

This is according to Pirates' executive Floyd Mbele after his second stringers played to a goalless draw against United in Gaborone on Saturday.

"They will face a completely different Pirates on February 28, there will be a goal feast in Port Elizabeth. Hopefully, the weather won't be 40 degrees again," Mbele said.

The two sides will meet at the Nelson Mandela Bay Sports Stadium and the local municipality will use the game to test their 2010 Fifa World Cup readiness.

Coach Rudi Krol rested Pirates' regulars for the University of Botswana Stadium game probably because of the importance of their three remaining Absa Premiership games.

Moeneeb Josephs, Teko Modise, Lucas Thwala, Dikgang Mabalane, Thembinkosi Fanteni and Bennet Chenene made way for Senzo Meyiwa, Mzondi Mthombeni, Lehlohonolo Seema, Gert Schalkwyk and Siphelele Mthembu.

Mbele said Gaborone United were not a bad team.

"They have some excellent players but they must forget about going beyond this round of the Champions League.

"We have made it clear we want to add another star on our jersey after winning the 1995 tournament where we earned the first one," he said.

Pirates won the 1995 title with a strong team of players like Jerry Sikhosana, John Moeti, Innocent Mcwango, Mark Fish, Gavin Lane and Edward Motale.