Orlando Pirates will look to finish the job on home soil when they welcome Mauritian newcomers La Cure Waves in the second leg of their CAF Champions League First Preliminary Round clash.
After a frustrating stalemate in the opening encounter, the Buccaneers return to Johannesburg knowing that there is little room for error. A place in the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition awaits, but they must first overcome a determined La Cure Waves side that has already proven they cannot be underestimated.
First Leg: La Cure Waves Make History in Mauritius
The first meeting between the two sides, played on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Côte-d’Or National Sports Complex in St Pierre, Mauritius, produced a result that will be remembered by the hosts for years to come.
Making their debut in the CAF Champions League, La Cure Waves delivered a disciplined defensive performance to hold the Soweto giants to a 0–0 draw. Despite enjoying long spells of possession and creating several promising opportunities, Pirates were unable to find a breakthrough against a compact and organised Mauritian defence.
The result leaves the tie perfectly balanced, with the return leg set to decide which team continues its continental journey.
Pirates Expected to Push for Early Breakthrough
With home support behind them, Orlando Pirates are expected to approach the second leg with greater attacking intent. The Buccaneers will aim to increase the tempo from the opening whistle, using their quality in wide areas and attacking options to put the visitors under immediate pressure.
La Cure Waves head coach Jerome Thomas has already warned his players that Pirates will be determined to respond after being frustrated in the first leg.
“Orlando Pirates have had their pride wounded and will come out looking to hurt us in front of their home crowd,” Thomas said.
The pressure will be on the Pirates attacking unit to convert chances after struggling to break down a stubborn opponent in Mauritius.
La Cure Waves Ready for Another Continental Challenge
For La Cure Waves, the mission is clear: remain disciplined, defend as a unit, and take advantage of any opportunities on the counter-attack.
The Mauritian side gained valuable experience from the first leg and will arrive with confidence after proving they can compete against one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
A goal away from home would dramatically change the complexion of the tie, forcing Pirates to chase the game even further.
CAF Champions League Second Leg Details
Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves
Competition: CAF Champions League First Preliminary Round, Second Leg
Aggregate Score: 0–0
Prize: Winner advances to the second preliminary round, where they will face either AS Mangasport or African Stars.
Continental Ambitions on the Line
For Orlando Pirates, progression is essential as they continue their pursuit of success on multiple fronts this season. The Buccaneers know that African competition demands consistency, focus, and the ability to handle pressure moments.
However, La Cure Waves have already shown that they are capable of challenging the established order. Whether Pirates’ quality and experience will prevail or whether the Mauritian debutants can produce one of the biggest surprises of the preliminary rounds remains to be seen.
Stay tuned to Our Soccer Updates for match updates, starting line-ups, and post-match analysis as the CAF Champions League action unfolds.
