Durban – Orlando Pirates secured a 2-0 win over Carling All Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, closing off 2025 with a strong performance. Debutant Sifiso Luthuli and Boitumelo Radiopane scored the decisive goals in the second half.
The match came a week after Pirates lifted the Carling Knockout trophy with a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Earlier in the year, Pirates also claimed the MTN8 title against Stellenbosch FC. Along the way to the Carling Knockout final, the Soweto team overcame Siwelele FC, Magesi FC, and Richards Bay FC.
Pirates played without several key players, including Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Sipho Chaine, who were on Bafana Bafana duty preparing for the AFCON in Morocco.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou used the opportunity to give fringe players such as Olisa Ndah, Melusi Bethelezi, Thabiso Sesane, and Deano Van Rooyen starting roles. The first half was goalless, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. All Stars had two penalty appeals turned down before halftime.
In the second half, chances remained limited until Luthuli broke the deadlock with his first goal for Pirates. Radiopane later added a second to secure the win and the exhibition trophy for the team.
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