Orlando Pirates failed to beat Mauritian side La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg, leaving the Buccaneers with plenty of work to do in the return fixture.
The two sides played out a goalless draw in Mauritius, a result that will undoubtedly frustrate Pirates given the gulf in resources and professional experience between the clubs.
The Buccaneers are made up of full-time professional footballers, while La Cure Waves have several players who balance football with regular day jobs.
Orlando Pirates fail to fire in first CAF CL match
Mauritius coach and former player Jean-Marc Ithier highlighted that difference before the first leg, explaining that many of La Cure Waves’ players play football on an amateur basis.
“All the local players have day jobs in Mauritius, and they play football as a hobby.
“So, that is why I say Pirates will be favoured to proceed because they will be up against largely amateur opponents,” he said as per Kickoff.
Despite being overwhelming favourites on paper, Pirates could not find a way past their part-time opponents and will now have to deliver in the second leg.
Another headache for Pirates in CAF
The Buccaneers return home knowing that the pressure is firmly on them to win and secure their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League.
A scoring draw would eliminate Pirates on the away-goals rule, meaning La Cure Waves could potentially knock out the South African giants without even winning a match.
For Pirates, anything less than victory at home would be a major disappointment. The Buccaneers now have to prove the difference between a fully professional squad and a team whose players include people with regular jobs outside football.
Last season, Pirates bowed out in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.