Orlando Pirates' return to the Caf Champions League after a five-year absence was ultimately convincing enough as they clinically trounced of Light Stars FC of the Seychelles 5-1 at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. Mario Ravo had his team from the tiny Indian Ocean island nation in the lead in the first leg of the preliminary-round tie with a 17th-minute opening strike. First-half replies from Thabo Qalinge in the 25th, Augustine Mulenga in the 38th, and Mpho Makola with a sumptuous free-kick in the 41st teed up what could have been a second-half goal-fest to the Soweto giants. In the end two goals were added, though a resilient Stars made Bucs' home support wait for late, injury-time strikes by substitute Justin Shonga (93rd) and Linda Mntambo (95th) to see their team eventually run out comfortable winners.

Pirates, the 2013 Champions League losing finalists, had to come from a strike down to go into the change rooms with a two-goal cushion from the first half. A ball give...

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