The Soweto giants sealed progress to the next hurdle of the continental competition with a vital win on Friday night.
A five-star first-half performance from Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium saw them advance to the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate win over SC Disciples.
Both teams had come into the game hoping to get any kind of win to advance after a goalless draw in the first leg.
Bucs wasted no time in making their intent clear in front of thousands of their fans who were hungry for glory. The Soweto giants pushed forward with every opportunity, as the supporters cheered every move made by the team.
Within the first three minutes, the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League's top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa had found the back of the net, but he was ruled offside although replays suggested otherwise.
Mabasa on target, Maswanganyi shows what is in store
However, the home team was not to be denied in the ninth minute. The in-form Monnapule Saleng managed to find the towering attacker, and the striker did well to beat his markers before firing home the opening goal. It was a perfect response to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos who had left him out of his provisional squad to play Uganda and South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Disciples did not find it easy, they were dominated in all departments, failing to string any meaningful passes forward.
It was not a surprise when the Sea Robbers scored their second in the 24th minute. Patrick Maswangany played a good one-two pass with Relebohile Mofokeng, and it ended with the teenager placing the ball into the far corner to get his name on the scoresheet.
In the 30th minute, the ruthless Pirates scored their third goal. Deon Hotto found acres of space on the right, and brought in a teasing cross. The ball was not cleared properly by the defenders and it fell to Maswanganyi.
The former SuperSport United attacker unleashed a rocket from 20 yards out past the hapless goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
A message to Jwaneng Galaxy?
In the second half, Bucs continued to push for more goals as their opponents were reduced to mere spectators.
The South African outfit came close severally, but they lacked the composure to extend their already impressive scoreline.
In the 71st minute, Saleng thought he had made it 4-0 but his celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee's offside flag. Substitute Karim Kimvuidi was not to be denied in the stoppages after getting a gift from 12 yards out.
Eventually, Pirates managed to get a deserved win to seal their place in the second preliminary round of the prestigious continental club competition.
They will now play the winner between Jwaneng Galaxy – who eliminated them last season, and African Stars. The latter won the first leg by a solitary goal.
