Orlando Pirates thrashed African Stars 4-0 in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at Orlando Amstel Arena Arena on Friday night.
The Buccaneers won the tie 5-0 on aggregate, having beaten the Namibian side 1-0 at the Botswana National Stadium last weekend before securing a convincing win at home.
Pirates welcomed Africans Stars at home, looking to secure a victory and advance to the group stages of the Champions League. In the opening minutes, Pirates enjoyed a fair share of possession after pinning the Namibian side into their own half.
The Buccaneers broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a tap-in from midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi, who received a perfect pass from Simphiwe Masilela.
Mokobodi came close to netting his second goal of the night after combining well with Masilela, but his strike went inches off target.
In the 45th minute, Evidence Makgopa scored the second goal for Pirates to go into the half-time break comfortably leading 2-0 and 3-0 on aggregate.
Immediately after the half-time break, the Sea Robbers increased their goal tally to three after Mpho Padime, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored the third goal. The highly-rated youngster opened his account for Pirates after gaining promotion from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Makgopa completed his brace by scoring the final goal for Pirates to secure a mouth-watering win in front of their home fans.
FARPost looks at four talking points in Pirates’ victory over African Stars:
1. THAPELO MOKOBODI CONTINUES HIS FINE FORM
The talented midfielder is continuing his impressive form at Pirates after scoring his first goal in the Champions League for the club.
Mokobodi joined Pirates in the off-season from Stellenbosch FC and made an immediate impact, establishing himself as a regular starter in central midfield. The former Marumo Gallants midfielder has so far featured in 13 appearances across all competitions for Pirates. He has netted two goals and chipped in with two assists.
2. EVIDENCE MAKGOPA REPLACES YANELA MBUTHUMA
Makgopa replaced Mbuthuma in the starting line-up and capped up his return with a brace against African Stars to help his side qualify for the group stages of the continental tournament.
Mbuthuma has been a preferred starter in Pirates’ attack, although he has faced heavy criticism for the lack of sharpness in the final third.
3. MPHO PADIME SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR PIRATES
The dribbling wizard scored his first senior goal for Pirates after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Padime will be hoping that the opening goal at Pirates serves as a confidence booster to play a bigger role for the defending Betway Premiership champions with matches coming thick and fast.
4. ORLANDO PIRATES CORRECT LAST SEASON’S EARLY EXIT
Pirates corrected last season’s heartbreak, which saw them crashing out of the second preliminary round of the Champions League with a shock defeat against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo.
In the previous campaign, Pirates lost 3-0 away to Lupopo before registering a win at home with the same scoreline. They eventually lost on the penalty shootout at Orlando Amstel Arena.
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