Orlando Pirates have been warned to brace for an emotional battle as they return to domestic action following their heartbreak in the CAF Champions League semi-finals against Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Former Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro, who had a two-year spell with the Soweto giants, says he expects his former club to feel the lingering effects of their dramatic continental exit.
The Buccaneers had raised hopes of reaching a historic all-South African final against Mamelodi Sundowns after taking the lead twice in Cairo on Friday night against Pyramids. However, they failed to hold on and were eventually overpowered by a determined Egyptian outfit, who won the second leg 3-2 to book their place in the final.
Pirates’ exit meant South Africa’s dream of seeing two local clubs clash in the final of Africa’s premier club competition was dashed. It was an especially bitter pill to swallow, given that Sundowns had already secured their spot by overcoming Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
We are Orlando Pirates, we must accept that football can hurt. We will be ok. pic.twitter.com/ixNYtAHBoC
— EL Gatsheni 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆9️⃣1️⃣”mob justice football” (@SiyaNdlovu91) April 25, 2025
For Pirates, this was only their second semi-final appearance in 12 years, and even the impending departure of head coach Jose Riveiro could not deliver a fitting fairy-tale ending to his tenure. Reflecting on the emotional toll such a defeat could have, Majoro offered an empathetic view, suggesting the players could take longer to fully recover from the setback.
“To be honest, losing in the manner that they lost, it can really take a toll on you,” he said. “I know people expect them to just shake it off and refocus their energy on the upcoming fixtures but truth be told, sometimes it takes longer from player to player.”
The 38-year-old also underlined what Pirates’ progression to the final could have meant for South African football as a whole.
“This would’ve been a historical occasion for all South Africans, not just them, to have both Sundowns and Pirates in the final of the Champions League,” Majoro added.
58 – The #SowetoDerby this Saturday will be the 58th league meeting between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the PSL era. Head-to-Head.#BetwayPrem @Betway_za pic.twitter.com/u6gLt00Mxw
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) April 28, 2025
Despite the disappointment, Majoro backed the technical team to rally the squad for the crucial upcoming domestic fixtures.
“I believe they have a good coach, a good technical team that will try to get them to refocus more especially because of the two derbies that are coming up,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the emotional scars might linger.
“I believe there will be (an emotional hangover) but we can only see that when they get back to action or when they take to the field against Chiefs.”
Pirates now face a grueling schedule, with two emotionally charged Soweto derbies against Kaizer Chiefs lined up in the next fortnight. Sandwiched between those clashes are critical league encounters against Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows, matches that could define their season’s final standings.
How they respond to the CAF heartbreak will be crucial in determining whether they end the domestic season with silverware or further regret.
