CAF Champions League stars Orlando Pirates suffered a shock 1-0 home loss to AmaZulu Thursday in the South African Premiership.

The 'Buccaneers' stunned title-holders Al-Ahly 3-0 in Egypt last weekend in the group stage of the major African club competition.

But they were undone at Soccer City stadium in Soweto with former Pirate Bongani Ndulula scoring the winner on 31 minutes.

It was a dream start to the 30-game league campaign for the Durban club, who fell 6-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in the opening round last season.

But coach Craig Rosslee was far from happy despite three unexpected points before a small crowd wrapped against the night-time winter chill.

"Pirates were the better team, creating chance after chance, while we had one chance and scored," he confessed.

"I was rather unpleasant to my players in the dressing room at half-time. We showed Pirates too much respect and were lethargic."

Pirates coach Roger de Sa said it was the usual story with his team dominating possession, creating endless chances, and wasting them.

"Obviously, I am disappointed. AmaZulu had one chance and scored while we created so many opportunities and failed to find the net."

Left-back Thabo Matlaba came closest to levelling with his close-range shot blocked by impressive Aubrey Mathibe during stoppage time.

The match-winner was a soft goal with new Pirates midfielder William Thwala carelessly conceding possession on the halfway line.

Gangling Ndulula was put through and held off three defenders to fire a low shot wide of goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.