Orlando Pirates held by La Cure Waves in goalless CAF Champions League draw

Orlando Pirates were held to a 0-0 draw by La Cure Waves in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie in Mauritius on Sunday, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to hand Cristian Derbyshire his first-team debut helping the Buccaneers keep a clean sheet.

The match was played at the Cote-d’Or National Sports Complex on 05 September 2026, with neither side able to create a decisive advantage before next week’s second leg.

Ouaddou made several changes to the Orlando Pirates team after the Soweto club’s midweek involvement, when they defeated Kruger United on Tuesday. Derbyshire, who was part of the squad’s pre-season camp in Spain in July, was brought into the defence for his first senior appearance.

Boitumelo Radiopane was again selected to lead the attack and produced the visitors’ first significant effort after 15 minutes. He tested La Cure Waves goalkeeper Jean Ramdiane, who made the save to keep the contest scoreless.

That proved to be Orlando Pirates’ only threatening attempt of the first half. La Cure Waves did not seriously trouble Sipho Chaine at the other end, leaving the two sides level at the interval.

The Buccaneers continued to look for an opening after the restart, but their attacking play lacked precision in the final third. Although they were able to move towards the Waves penalty area, the final pass repeatedly failed to create a clear chance.

Ouaddou responded by making a double substitution shortly after the hour mark. Radiopane and Msendami were withdrawn, with Yanela Mbuthuma and Kabelo Kgositsile brought on. Kgositsile, a popular figure among the supporters, was introduced to add greater pace to the Pirates attack.

The visitors came closest to breaking the deadlock in the closing stages. Mbuthuma met a corner but could not direct his header inside the post, sending the attempt wide.

That was the final clear opportunity of the match. La Cure Waves held firm until the final whistle, denying Orlando Pirates an away goal and ensuring the tie remains level at 0-0 ahead of the return fixture next week.

Orlando Pirates started with Chaine in goal, supported by Zulu, Seema, Hotto, Derbyshire, Selepe, Mthiyane, Dansin, Appollis, Msendami and Radiopane.

The substitutes were Dladla, Rapoo, Sebelebele, Makhaula, Mokobodi, Masilela, Kgositsile, Ngwato and Mbuthuma.