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There was double joy in the CAF Champions League for South African clubs after Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates won their games on Tuesday – away from home. Sundowns secured a 2-0 win over Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana, while Pirates edged Angolan side Sagrada Esperança 1-0 in their first-leg clashes.
Both South African clubs got kind draws in the continental competition, with draws against clubs that were not too far from home.
At the Lobatse Sports Complex, goals from Mothobi Mvala and Peter Shalulile secured the vital away win for the Brazilians. The club have, incredibly, qualified for the group stages of the competition every year since 2015.
Downs will now give their players some much-needed time off, following a traumatic month. Two of their players, Anele Ngcongca and Motjeka Madisha, died in separate car accidents.
Madisha has still not been buried after DNA tests were conducted on his burnt remains. The defender reportedly died when the car the two occupants were travelling in crashed and was engulfed in flames. They were burnt beyond recognition.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, secured the maximum points, courtesy of a Thembinkosi Lorch strike in the second half. In contrast to Sundowns, the club is on a high after winning the MTN8 title and ending their six-year drought.
Ironically, the two teams now return home to prepare for their DStv Premiership clash on January 2. Sundowns are top of the table with 18 points, while Bucs are fifth with 13.
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