Orlando Pirates FC booked their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League with a 3-1 second-leg victory over La Cure Waves on Thursday. The win at Orlando Amstel Arena completed a 3-1 aggregate triumph after a goalless first leg in Mauritius.
Kabelo Kgositsile, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma all scored inside the first half to overturn an early shock. The Mauritian visitors had taken a sixth-minute lead through I. Ami, but the Buccaneers responded immediately with Kgositsile equalising just two minutes later. Sebelebele put Pirates ahead in the 24th minute before Mbuthuma sealed the tie with a third goal 12 minutes before the break.
Strong second half
With a two-goal cushion, Orlando Pirates managed the second half effectively, defending strongly and remaining dangerous on the counterattack. La Cure Waves were unable to find another goal, ensuring the Soweto giants progressed comfortably.
The result extends the club's unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, a sequence of four wins and a draw. This strong form is mirrored in their domestic campaign, where they currently sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five games.
Focus turns to league
Attention now shifts back to the Betway Premiership, where Pirates are seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their next fixture is a key league encounter, and the full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
Speaking after the match, a club spokesperson confirmed the team's focus is now fully on the domestic campaign. "The job was done tonight, and we can now concentrate on the league," they told SNL24. The victory provides a significant boost ahead of a busy period, with the squad looking to maintain momentum. Key performers from the win, including the goalscorers, are listed in the team's squad profile.
Orlando Pirates' next match is on 19 September in the Premier Soccer League.
Orlando Pirates FC have signed academy product Bheki Mabuza from Marumo Gallants, according to the club's official website. The 23-year-old midfielder has begun training. The Buccaneers' 3-1 win over La Cure Waves on September 12 extended their unbeaten run to five matches. They have scored 12 goals and conceded just one in the Premier Soccer League this season.
La Cure Waves head coach Jerome Thomas has warned his side to expect an onslaught from Orlando Pirates in Saturday's second leg. "We know the calibre of Orlando Pirates, who are on another level," Thomas told Lemauricien. The Buccaneers, who are second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five games, won the first leg 3-1 on September 12. Thomas added on Le Defi Sport that Pirates, having had their pride wounded by last season's Champions League exit, will come out looking to hurt his amateur team.
