After Orlando Pirates’ thrilling 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in their CAF Champions League clash on Sunday, 12 January 2025, a touching moment of sportsmanship unfolded on the pitch. Despite the fierce competition between the two clubs, Pirates players embraced former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo, now playing for the Algerian side. The emotional exchange came after the final whistle, when the Pirates players, including winger Relebohile Mofokeng, shared a warm hug with Mayo in a moment of mutual respect and camaraderie.
Mayo, who has become an established starter for Belouizdad after leaving South Africa at the end of the 2023/2024 season, was visibly moved by the gesture. While the Pirates and Belouizdad were rivals on the field that day, the players displayed a sense of unity off it, especially given that Mayo has long been linked to their bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. The connection between Mayo and Chiefs had often been the subject of media speculation, but despite that, the Pirates players showed no hesitation in offering their support and appreciation for a fellow South African talent.
This act of sportsmanship did not go unnoticed. Local football fans took to social media to praise Pirates for their conduct, commending the team for rising above rivalries and demonstrating the true spirit of football. Many fans expressed admiration for the Bucs players’ ability to separate the competitive nature of the game from personal relationships, showing that, at the heart of football, respect for one another as players and individuals should always take precedence.
For Mayo, the match represented more than just a personal encounter with his former compatriots. The 24-year-old forward, who dreams of one day playing for Kaizer Chiefs, has settled into his role at Belouizdad, where he has earned a regular starting spot and established himself as a key player for the club. After his move to Algeria, Mayo’s career has continued to rise, and his performance in the CAF Champions League has been a testament to his growing stature as an international footballer. Although his current club, Belouizdad, suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Pirates, Mayo’s future remains bright, with continued potential for him to make a significant impact in African football.
As for Orlando Pirates, the win was a crucial one. The 2-1 result not only secured the three points but also guaranteed them a spot in the knockout stages of the prestigious competition. With goals from Mofokeng and a match-winning strike by Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha in the 61st minute, Pirates now sit at the top of their group. The victory was a vital step toward their goal of progressing further in the tournament, and it also served as a statement of intent for the rest of the competition.
Looking ahead, Pirates will face defending champions Al Ahly in their final group stage match on Saturday, 18 January. This encounter promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams fighting for top spot in the group and the coveted position of group winners. The stakes are high, as the winner of the match will secure a favorable position for the knockout rounds, while the loser will face a tougher path through the competition. Given the high stakes and the rivalry between the two clubs, the match against Al Ahly will undoubtedly be a memorable one.
In the meantime, as Pirates prepare for this crucial encounter, the sportsmanship shown after their victory over Belouizdad serves as a reminder of the values that make football such a powerful and unifying force. Whether in victory or defeat, moments like these help to foster respect, friendship, and mutual understanding between players, transcending rivalries and highlighting the global nature of the beautiful game.
