Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised African Stars, their coach and the Namibian club’s board following the Buccaneers’ emphatic victory in the CAF Champions League, acknowledging their efforts while insisting that his team proved too strong on the night.

Pirates delivered a commanding performance to defeat African Stars 4-0 in the second-leg encounter at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night, October 23, securing a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory and progressing to the CAF Champions League group stage.

The result represents a significant achievement for the Soweto giants, who were determined to avoid another early elimination after falling short at the same stage of the competition last season.

Following the match, Ouaddou took a moment to recognise the efforts of their opponents, praising the Namibian champions for their contribution to the contest despite the substantial difference in the final scoreline.

“Well done to African Stars, the coach, the board of the Namibian club. They gave their best but we were too strong for them today,” Ouaddou said.

The Moroccan tactician’s remarks reflected his satisfaction with his team's performance while acknowledging the determination shown by African Stars throughout the tie.

Pirates entered the return leg with a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first encounter in Botswana, knowing that a strong performance at home would be crucial to securing qualification.

The Buccaneers subsequently raised their level, scoring four goals without reply to complete a dominant aggregate triumph and book their place in the next phase of Africa’s premier club competition.

For Pirates, reaching the group stage is an important milestone as they seek to establish themselves among the continent’s leading clubs and compete for silverware.

The qualification also provides an opportunity for Ouaddou’s team to make amends for last season’s disappointment and pursue the club’s ambitions on the continental stage.

With African Stars eliminated, attention now turns to Pirates’ preparations for the challenges that await in the group stage, where the level of competition is expected to intensify.

Ouaddou will be hoping his players can maintain their momentum and build on the confidence gained from their comprehensive victory as they pursue a successful CAF Champions League campaign.

The message is clear: Pirates are back in Africa’s elite club competition, and Ouaddou wants his team to make their return count.

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