Pirates will meet Tunisian club Etoile Sahel in the two-leg final in late November. A vocal crowd greeted Bucs in the OR Tambo arrivals hall.

"The reception we received today is fantastic," Bucs coach Eric Tinkler said.

"We want to thank the Pirates fans and South African fans for the support they showed us throughout this competition.

"We're extremely proud of this win. It's been a long trip and to get this sort of welcome is the icing on the cake."

Happy Jele, who came back as captain after a suspension and being deputised for by fellow defender Rooi Mahamutsa in the first leg, said Pirates are a team of many skippers.

"There are a lot of senior players in our team and a lot of leadership. And whoever is selected to captain the team and be a leader can do the job," the right-back said.

Around 5000 fans, and many more onlookers, gave Pirates a very vocal and songful welcome.

Well-known Bloemfontein Celtic and Bafana Bafana fan Station Gaboniwe sported a sign that read: "Amabhakabhaka, Amabhokobhoko do it Lyk '95", referring to the year Pirates won the CAF Champions Cup and the Springboks the World Cup.

Supporters from SA's other two big three teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, also arrived to herald the Buccaneers' achievement.

Fans chanted "Tinkler, Tinkler, Tinkler" as the coach emerged in the arrivals hall. Security personnel guided players through fans just wanting a touch of their idols on their heroes' return.