The Orlando Pirates team intends to qualify for the Champions League by playing at home against La Cure Waves. This match is a return fixture after they played in Mauritius during the first stage of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
In the first match, which ended in a goalless draw, La Cure Waves managed to hold off Pirates. Now, the team, known as the Buccaneers, has a clear objective in the return match, which will take place at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday: score goals and keep a clean sheet.
Pirates possess strong attacking potential domestically, scoring 12 goals in the Betway Premiership and six in the MTN8, while conceding only two goals across all tournaments. This impressive form has allowed them to remain in the title race, occupying second place in the table with 13 points, just three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Furthermore, Pirates have a reserve game and have already reached the MTN8 final, where they will face Sundowns on October 10th.
Previously, the team lost to St Eloi Lupopo in a penalty shootout, which disqualified them from the Champions League group stage last season. Therefore, fans hope that the team has maintained some strength for the continental competition.
Before the unsuccessful match in Mauritius, Pirates demonstrated good offensive output. For instance, they defeated newcomers Kruger United 4-0 in a training match at Mbombela Stadium shortly before the trip.
Yanela Mbuthuma has started showing himself as an ideal team striker. He convinced critics in two matches before the trip to Mauritius by scoring two goals and providing two assists. His excellent form led to his inclusion in the preliminary squad for the Bafana Bafana 'B' national team for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as for a friendly match against Egypt in Cairo next month.
Mbuthuma is not alone in this form. Boitumelo Radiopane is also performing well after returning from loan, having previously played in youth structures. It is expected that this pair of strikers will restore their scoring prowess at home on Saturday. Having analyzed La Cure's weak defense in the first match, Pirates now have an advantage in a familiar setting, playing on natural grass in front of the 'Ghosts' after overcoming artificial turf on the island.
With goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who has conceded only two goals in nine matches across all tournaments, it is unlikely he can be easily breached. Maintaining this defensive solidity will be crucial, as a guest goal away would significantly complicate the situation due to the away goals rule. Chaine and his defense must remain unwavering to neutralize any threat, as the combination of solid defense and relentless attack brought trophies and the domestic title last season.