Pirates sign off 2025 with Carling All Stars victory

Orlando Pirates secured a routine 2-0 victory over the Carling All Stars XI at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon, closing out 2025 on a high note in this exhibition match.

Second-half goals from debutant Sifiso Luthuli and youngster Boitumelo Radiopane sealed the win for the Buccaneers in Durban.

The clash in Durban followed Pirates’ triumph in the Carling Knockout final last weekend, where they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants thanks to a decisive goal from Relebohile Mofokeng. This victory marked the club’s second domestic trophy of the campaign, having also lifted the MTN8 earlier in September.

Fringe Players Get Their Chance At Pirates

With several key players away on Bafana Bafana duty preparing for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco—including Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Sipho Chaine—Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou used the opportunity to rotate his squad extensively.

Players such as Olisa Ndah, Melusi Bethelezi, Thabiso Sesane, and Deano Van Rooyen were handed rare starts as the coach looked to assess the depth of his team ahead of the new year.

The match began at a high tempo but quickly settled, with both sides struggling to carve out meaningful goal-scoring opportunities. The first half remained tight and tactical, reaching the half-time break locked goalless. The All Stars outfit had two strong appeals for a penalty waved away by the match official during the opening stanza.

Second Half Breakthrough

The struggle for clear-cut chances continued into the second period. However, the deadlock was finally broken by a new face. Sifiso Luthuli, making his debut for the club after coming on as a substitute, netted his first goal for the Ghosts to give Pirates the crucial 1-0 lead.

Fellow substitute Boitumelo Radiopane soon doubled the advantage, ensuring a 2-0 victory and allowing the Buccaneers to lift the exhibition trophy before the extended league break.

Pirates will now look ahead to 2026, aiming to maintain the momentum gained from their cup successes.