Orlando Pirates set new PSL record with 21-game unbeaten away run

Orlando Pirates continued their remarkable consistency on the road after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia’s African Stars in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, setting a new record in South African football.

The Buccaneers produced a crucial result away from home to take an advantage into the return leg, but the victory also carried extra significance as it extended their impressive unbeaten streak on their travels across all competitions.

According to OptaJabu, Orlando Pirates are now unbeaten in 21 consecutive away matches, having recorded 16 wins and five draws during the remarkable run.

The achievement represents a new outright record for the longest unbeaten away streak by a South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) top-flight team across all competitions.

No other club in the country’s top division had previously managed to go 21 consecutive away matches without suffering defeat, highlighting the level of consistency Pirates have demonstrated both domestically and on the continental stage.

Their record-breaking run reflects the team’s ability to grind out results in difficult environments, where home support and familiarity can often give opponents an advantage. Rather than allowing those challenges to affect their performances, Pirates have continued to collect important results away from home.

The latest victory over African Stars adds another significant achievement to that record. Although the 1-0 scoreline gives the South African giants only a slender advantage, it puts them in a favourable position heading into the second leg of the CAF Champions League qualifying tie.

Pirates will now aim to build on their first-leg success and secure progression to the next stage of the competition. Avoiding defeat in the return fixture would strengthen their continental ambitions while giving them another opportunity to extend their historic away run.

For now, the Buccaneers can take pride in setting a new benchmark in South African football, with their 21-match unbeaten streak underlining their growing reputation for consistency on the road.