Saturday was what Orlando Pirates fans can mark as a dream start in the CAF Champions League.
We are talking about cruising to a 3-0 win over Lesotho Premier League champions Lioli FC at the Free State Stadium.
The day’s hero was hometown boy Tshegofatso Mabasa, who netted a well-taken brace to guide the Sea Robbers to a commanding victory.
LIOLI FC IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
“We did a good game; we respected the plan, and I congratulate the players,” Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou told the media after the game. “I cannot be 100% satisfied because we could have scored more goals, especially in the first half, where we did not manage to get the space to go forward,” he added.
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“But that was because of the tactics of the opponent, and they played well as well. But I am happy for the second half because we made some changes; we brought speed on the side and switched them in order to find some space,” the French-Moroccan mentor said.
ORLANDO PIRATES TURN FOCUS TO THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
But there’s no time to rest. Less than 48 hours later, the Buccaneers are back in Betway Premiership action, facing Siwelele FC on Tuesday at 19:30 at the same venue.
The tight turnaround will ask questions of the squad’s fitness and depth. The fitness and performance staff will need to deliver.
The back-to-back fixtures highlight the intensity of the season for Orlando Pirates and rivals, as they navigate local and African trips while keeping the results coming.