Orlando Pirates booked their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Mauritius' La Cure Waves at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
The Betway Premiership champions recovered from an early setback to secure a comfortable 3-1 aggregate triumph after the first leg in Port Louis ended goalless. The result sets up a decisive clash against reigning Namibian champions African Stars, with a spot in the group stage on the line.
Match report
Pirates fell behind in just the sixth minute. A defensive mix-up involving goalkeeper Sipho Chaine allowed Jean Ami to capitalise and put the visitors ahead.
The hosts responded almost immediately. In the eighth minute, Kabelo Kgositsile scored his first goal for the club, turning home a cross from Simphiwe Masilela to restore parity.
The Soweto giants took control of the tie in the 25th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele finished clinically from a tight angle after combining neatly with Kgositsile. Yanela Mbuthuma then headed home from a Thapelo Mokobodi corner shortly before half-time to make it 3-1.
Pirates managed the second half professionally. Although they created further chances – particularly through substitutes Boitumelo Radiopane and others – they were unable to add to the scoreline. The final whistle confirmed their progression.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou rotated his side due to injuries and suspensions, bringing in Kgositsile, Neo Rapoo and Mbuthuma to good effect.
Looking ahead
Orlando Pirates, South Africa's winners of Africa's premier club competition (in 1995), continue their campaign with renewed hope. Recent seasons have brought mixed results: a semi-final appearance in 2024-25 ended against eventual champions Pyramids FC, while they exited the 2025-26 edition on penalties in the second preliminary round.
The second-round ties against African Stars are scheduled for mid-to-late October. A successful outcome would secure a return to the group stage and the significant financial and competitive rewards that accompany it.
While the early defensive lapse and wasteful finishing (numerous shots for only three goals) offered reminders of areas still needing refinement, the clinical first-half response and overall control demonstrated the squad's ability to recover and dominate lower-ranked opposition. Attention now turns to a sterner test against the Namibian champions.