Orlando Pirates cruise, Kaizer Chiefs show fight: 5 stand-out players in CAF competitions

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates entered continental competition with very different performances.

Pirates made light work of Lioli with a resounding 7-0 aggregate win in the CAF Champions League, while Chiefs laboured past Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup, needing penalties to progress. Still, both clubs had standout performers who carried them through tricky moments.

Here are the five best performers:

Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)

Moremi was simply unplayable in the second leg against Lioli. The winger showcased his flair with a spectacular free kick that opened the floodgates before blasting home a second to complete his brace.

His mix of confidence and execution gave Pirates a spark of individual brilliance that few defenders can contain. In a competition where moments of quality decide ties, Moremi has positioned himself as a genuine match-winner for the Buccaneers.

Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)

Appollis wasted little time announcing himself on the continental stage. His goal in the first leg set the tone for a dominant performance by Pirates, and his intelligent movement repeatedly unsettled the Lioli defence.

Beyond the scoreline, Appollis’ link-up play and vision were key in building Pirates’ attacks. His addition has brought balance and unpredictability to the forward line, a trait that will be crucial as the competition gets tougher.

Sihle Nduli (Orlando Pirates) Nduli might not have found the net, but his contribution was equally decisive. Operating as the shield in front of the defence, he broke down Lioli’s counter-attacks and recycled possession with maturity.

His positioning allowed the likes of Moremi and Appollis to push forward freely, knowing the midfield was secure. Nduli’s discipline and tactical awareness were central to Pirates keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the tie, underlining his value in high-pressure CAF fixtures.

Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs)

While Chiefs struggled for fluency, Lilepo delivered the goal that kept their continental hopes alive. Pouncing on a goalkeeper error, he struck in the 40th minute to level the tie and swing momentum back to Amakhosi.

It wasn’t just about the finish — it was about seizing the moment when Chiefs were desperate. Lilepo’s ability to stay alert and make an impact in a tight contest proved his knack for turning games, even when the team as a whole was underwhelming.

Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)

If Lilepo brought Chiefs hope, Petersen ensured it wasn’t in vain. His superb reflex save in the 73rd minute denied Kabuscorp what could have been a knockout blow.

Then, in the penalty shootout, he produced another crucial stop that gave Chiefs the edge they needed to advance. Petersen’s composure under pressure and leadership from the back highlighted why he remains such a key figure. Without him, Chiefs’ CAF campaign might have ended at the first hurdle.