La Cure Waves head coach Jerome Thomas expects a wounded Orlando Pirates to be highly motivated for their CAF Champions League second leg. The South African champions overturned a first-leg stalemate with a 3-1 victory last Thursday to progress in the competition.
Jerome Thomas acknowledged the vast gulf between the sides ahead of the initial goalless draw at the Cote-d'Or National Sports Complex. "We know the calibre of Orlando Pirates, who are on another level," Thomas said. "You can't compare the two teams. They are professionals, and we are an amateur team."
Despite the eventual aggregate defeat, Thomas believes the first-leg result struck a psychological blow. "I know it will be a very tough match," he added. "Orlando Pirates have had their pride wounded and will come out looking to hurt us."
The domestic treble winners, who sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five games, demonstrated their resilience in the return fixture. Goals from Kabelo Kgosietsile, Karabo Sebelebele and Yamkela Mbuthuma secured a 3-1 win on September 12, extending their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions. Their recent form reads four wins and one draw from the last five outings.
Orlando Pirates' focus now shifts back to the domestic title race, where they trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by seven points.
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Orlando Pirates host Durban City at Orlando Stadium on September 17. The club, second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five games, has scored 12 goals while conceding just one this season. Their last result was a 3-1 win over La Cure Waves on September 12, with goals from Kabelo Kgosietsile, Karabo Sebelebele and Yamkela Mbuthuma. They are unbeaten in their last five matches, with four wins and one draw.
Durban City midfielder Kyle Jurgens says his team has shifted focus to Thursday's league fixture against Orlando Pirates. "We're looking forward to the game. It's another important fixture for us," Jurgens told Durban City Media. The Citizens progressed in the CAF Confederation Cup with a 2-1 win over Rukinzo FC on Sunday. Orlando Pirates, second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five games, host the match at Amstel Arena on September 17.
Orlando Pirates forward Tshepang Moremi is available for selection against Durban City, the club confirmed on September 17. Moremi missed the 3-1 CAF Champions League win over La Cure Waves through suspension. The Buccaneers, second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five games, have scored 12 goals while conceding just one this season. The sides last met in August, with Pirates winning 2-1 in extra time in the MTN8.
