CAF Champions League: Cristian Derbyshire backs Orlando Pirates to finish job against La Cure Waves

Orlando Pirates youngster Cristian Derbyshire is confident the Buccaneers can complete the job against La Cure Waves and launch a serious challenge for the CAF Champions League title after making his senior debut in Sunday’s goalless first-leg draw in Mauritius.

The 20-year-old defender featured at right-back as Pirates controlled large periods of the first preliminary-round encounter but were unable to turn their dominance into goals. With the return leg scheduled for Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Derbyshire believes playing at home will give the South African giants the advantage they need to progress.

“It’s never easy going away from home, even the country, to play outside; it’s never easy. I think we played well; we just didn’t take our chances. We dominated the game, and the other team just sat back,” Derbyshire told Pirates’ media department.

“But it was a good performance, just not the result we wanted. Drawing away from home is going to be beneficial for us when we go back because we know how it is at home. We will do the job at home.”

Derbyshire dreams of Champions League triumph

Despite the frustrating result, Derbyshire is already looking beyond the opening hurdle and believes Pirates have the quality and determination to go all the way in Africa’s premier club competition.

The youngster described the current campaign as a fresh opportunity for Pirates, who have previously come close to Champions League success but are determined to push further this time.

“Right now we are calling this [Champions League journey] a new chapter. Obviously in the past we’ve got close, but now to the final point. We are strong and we really want this. It’s a new chapter, and we are going to make this work,” Derbyshire said.

His confidence comes as Pirates prepare for their first home assignment of the campaign, with qualification for the next round now within reach following the stalemate in Mauritius.

Mauritius trip made debut even more special

For Derbyshire, the occasion was about far more than the result. The defender had only recently learned he would be travelling with the senior squad and admitted the anticipation of making his first-team bow left him struggling to sleep.

His debut in the Champions League therefore became a milestone that carried extra significance, particularly given the stature of Pirates and the continental stage on which he was introduced.

“I have been excited since before the trip when I was asked to bring my passport. Sometimes I struggled to sleep about this [making his Bucs debut]. It’s every player’s dream to make a debut at such a big club … making it in the Champions League is even crazier.”

Derbyshire now hopes his memorable introduction can be followed by another landmark moment on Saturday, when Pirates return home seeking to turn their first-leg draw into victory.

With home advantage, a clean sheet from Mauritius and confidence flowing through the young defender, Pirates will enter the second leg knowing that a win would keep their Champions League ambitions firmly alive.