Orlando Pirates urged to show full respect to La Cure Waves in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his players not to underestimate La Cure Waves when the two sides meet in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round in Mauritius.

Pirates are widely regarded as the favourites against the Mauritius champions, who will be making their debut in the CAF Champions League this season. However, Ouaddou believes the South African champions must approach the away fixture with the correct attitude and secure a positive result.

La Cure Waves head coach Jerome Thomas acknowledged that his side are not at the same level as Orlando Pirates after learning several weeks ago that they would face the reigning South African champions.

“It is true that we are not at the same level, we do not have the same level, but the match is here, and we will play the match giving the best of ourselves,” Thomas told the media.

Despite the difference in experience and status between the clubs, Thomas said La Cure Waves would give everything in their first appearance in the competition.

Ouaddou praised the welcome Orlando Pirates had received from their hosts and said his squad had completed a positive build-up to the match. At the same time, he stressed that the occasion and the opposition demanded complete concentration from his players.

“The preparations for the game went very well, the welcome in the fantastic country was perfect, and thank you for the warm welcome,” Ouaddou stated in his pre-match presser.

The Orlando Pirates coach said the match could be difficult, regardless of the teams’ contrasting profiles, and insisted that no opponent should be taken lightly in the continent’s premier club competition.

“We are expecting a difficult game against the champions of the country [Mauritius], so for us it is important to take that game very seriously and not underestimate any team.

“You know the Champions League, it’s something special, people are playing with motivation, they are playing with the fighting spirit. So hopefully we come here with a lot of ambition and to get the results here.”

La Cure Waves’ qualification for the first preliminary round represents a significant occasion for the Mauritius champions, while Orlando Pirates enter the tie as the more established side on paper.

Thomas has already conceded that the clubs do not possess the same level, but his comments also underline La Cure Waves’ determination to compete when the match begins.

For Ouaddou, the priority is to ensure that Pirates’ superior standing does not lead to complacency. He wants his players to match La Cure Waves’ motivation and fighting spirit and return from the away match with a result that strengthens their position in the tie.