Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have been among the best South African teams in the CAF Champions League.
Along with Mamelodi Sundowns, the African elite club competition's trophy made its way to the country's shores in the past as these clubs claimed the title.
For Orlando Pirates, they reigned supreme in Africa way back in 1995 when they became the first club in South Africa to win the CAF Champions League, and not only that, they've also appeared in the finals of the competition in the 2013 edition, losing to Al-Ahly.
Just like other teams in the tournament, Jose Riveiro's side are looking to record yet another success in the CAF competition but they'll face stiff opposition from the North African clubs who have dominated the podium in the last decade.
The club's success and general performances in the competition have been down to players who became proven goal-scorers for the team.
These players donned the Pirates' shirt with pride while at the club and some are still active for the team and will fight to reclaim the club's place in African club football.
Players like Takesure Chinyama, Jerry Sikhosana, Bheka Phakathi, Lelo Mbele, Zakhele Lepasa and lots more have scored multiple goals for the Buccaneers in this competition.
As the 2023/24 CAF Champions League enters its second round, let's look at Orlando Pirates' top scorers in the competition.
Orlando Pirates top goal scorers in CAF Champions League
Note: The total goal figures for the players listed here are not readily available online. However, these numbers are taken from particular editions of this tournament where the players made the top scorer's list.
Gavin Lane – 3
Gavin Lane was instrumental in the Buccaneers' maiden success in the CAF Champions League in 1995. Lane netted in the final to bring his goals to 3, which helped the team to win the competition.
Zakhele Lepasa
Lepasa is the current attacking threat of the team as of 2023. He has scored 3 goals in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League and looks set to add more to his tally as the tournament progresses.
Bruce Ramokadi – 3
Ramokadi was one of the key members of the Pirates' squad that won the 1995 title. His presence and 3-goal contribution helped the club achieve the history-making run to the final and eventual success.
Jerry Sikhosana – 3
Jerry Sikhosana earned legendary status at Orlando Pirates as a formidable goal poacher in the 1990s. He spent most of his career with Bucs and was nicknamed “Legs of Thunder.” He scored 3 goals for the club, and netted in the final.
Bheka Phakathi – 4
Orlando Pirates' run in the 2004 CAF Champions League ended in the second round. Nonetheless, Bheka Phakathi had a good performance while it lasted, scoring 4 times for Bucs before their journey ended at the hands of Malawian side, Big Bullets, on away goals, after a 2-2 home and away aggregate score.
Benedict Vilakazi – 5
Benedict Vilakazi is the all-time top scorer for Orlando Pirates across all competitions, and it's no surprise why he's one of the top scorers in the CAF Champions League for Pirates. The South African scored a total of 52 goals for the club, and 5 of them came from the CAF Champions League second-round finish in the 2004 edition.
Takesure Chinyama – 5
Takesure Chinyama is an ex-Zimbabwean international who scored five goals for Bucs in their run to the CAF Champions League final in 2013. He finished as one of the very top scorers of the club in this competition.
Lelo Mbele – 5
Lelo Mbele is a retired Congolese footballer who played for Orlando Pirates between 2005 – 2007. He scored 5 goals in Pirates' run to the semifinal of the 2006 CAF Champions League.
Pirates' journey ended at the hands of CS Sfaxien in the semis after a 1-0 aggregate score. Al Ahly went on to defeat Sfaxien in the finals.
This article was most recently revised and updated 12 months ago
