Orlando Pirates Coach Ouaddou Defends Flair After CAF Win

Orlando Pirates booked their place in the CAF Champions League group stage on October 22, 2026, by crushing African Stars 4-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena, completing a 5-0 aggregate victory in the second preliminary round. SuperSport reported that the result extended the Soweto giants’ unbeaten run against the Namibian champions to four matches.

Orlando Pirates Advance Through Second Preliminary Round

The home side entered the fixture holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg at Botswana National Stadium, according to FARPost ZA. Orlando Pirates FC’s official website noted that African Stars pressed early in search of an equalizer, but striker Evidence Makgopa neutralized an early set-piece before Thapelo Mokobodi broke the deadlock in the 18th minute by sliding in a cross from Simphiwe Masilela.

Makgopa added a second goal right before halftime, running onto a pass from Masilela and slotting the ball through goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura’s legs. FARPost ZA and SuperSport confirmed that substitute Mpho Padime netted the third goal immediately after the restart with his first touch of the match. Makgopa completed his brace in the 77th minute to secure the 4-0 scoreline on the night.

Caf Champions League Group Stage Qualification Stakes

SuperSport reported that the victory secures a sixth appearance in the CAF Champions League group stages for Orlando Pirates, following previous qualifications in 1997, 2006, 2013, 2018-19, and 2024-25. The club’s official website added that the result puts to bed the disappointment of the previous campaign, where the Soweto side exited in the same preliminary round against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo.

SuperSport also highlighted that the club has now gone 32 CAF Champions League home matches without defeat, recording 19 wins and 13 draws in that stretch. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasized the club’s continental stature ahead of the fixture, telling eNCA, I see that this season Orlando Pirates is a giant in Africa.

Abdeslam Ouaddou Demands Continued Intensity

Despite holding a comfortable four-goal cushion late in the match, Ouaddou remained active on the touchline, demanding that his players push for a fifth and sixth goal. The coach defended his players’ use of individual flair and showboating during the victory.

You see, I didn’t say nothing. Popo can make, can climb on the ball. Masilela can make showboating, you see, I don’t have any problem. But you need to score four goals.

Abdeslam Ouaddou

Ouaddou expressed satisfaction that his side maintained a clean sheet while securing a high-scoring victory at home. The team now prepares to enter the tournament’s group phase as South Africa’s sole representative in the competition.