La Cure Waves coach tips Orlando Pirates for CAFCL glory

La Cure Waves SC head coach Jerome Thomas has tipped Orlando Pirates to clinch the coveted CAF Champions League trophy this season, with the Buccaneers' last triumph dating back to 1995.

This comes after the Soweto giants eliminated the first-time Mauritian champions in the first preliminary round, winning 3-1 in the return leg on home soil after a goalless stalemate on the road.

Thomas says Pirates deserved to advance to the next stage of the competition, noting the vast gulf in quality between the two sides, and praised his team for showing commitment and hunger on the pitch.

“I want to congratulate Orlando Pirates for their qualification, they showed us they are a big club and they showed us that they are stronger than us,” said the La Cure boss.

"And I'm proud of my players because they gave everything on the pitch but we know we are La Cure Waves, we are an amateur club. Orlando Pirates is a big club, professional, good players. I think they deserve the qualification.

He went on to admit that his troops had a tough time at the storied Orlando Amstel Arena, and endorsed Abdeslam Ouaddou's men to lift the prestigious continental title.

“The match, as you saw, was very difficult for us because you saw the difference during the match between Orlando Pirates players and our players. I think they are many levels higher than us,” the coach added.

"I wish that Orlando Pirates can advance to the next stage and why not win the African champions league.

Having surprisingly made two substitutions in the first half, Thomas shed light on the decision, revealing that the players in question were already tired and had no legs to see out the opening 45 minutes.

“The reason is so simple because our players were already tired. They were already tired, in Mauritius we can do it because it's a different stadium, you saw our stadium, only one side people can sit and watch the match,” he continued.

"I think, like I said, our players are on a different gap of a level. If I could change 10 [players] during this match I would do it.

Pirates, meanwhile, will lock horns with Namibian champions African Stars for a lucrative spot in the CAF Champions League group stages, having fallen short to FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo at this stage last season.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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Orlando Pirates

La Cure Waves SC