Orlando Pirates youngster Christian Derbyshire has reflected on the Soweto giants’ disappointing results in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
Pirates were held to a frustrating goalless draw away from home by little-known Mauritius-based side La Cure Waves.
The Sea Robbers failed to score in the away tie, putting themselves under immense pressure to beat La Cure Waves in the return leg at Orlando Amstel Arena this coming weekend.
Pirates are looking to avoid last season’s heartbreak, which saw them crashing out of the Champions League second preliminary rounds after suffering a defeat against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on penalties after playing to a 3-3 draw on aggregate over two legs.
The Buccaneers will be aiming to go out guns blazing in the second leg to claim positive results and advance to the next round.
In the first leg against La Cure Waves, Pirates coach made several changes in the starting line-up, which included handing Derbyshire his debut in the first team.
WHAT DERBYSHIRE SAID ABOUT PIRATES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ENCOUNTER
The talented centre-back gained promotion to the Pirates senior team after playing a major role in the DStv Diski Challenge last season as the club won their maiden league title.
“It’s never easy going away from home. I think we played well; we just had to take our chances. We dominated the game, and the other team just sat back,” Derbyshire told Pirates media.
“But I think it was a good performance, just not the result we wanted. I think if this game went the way last season went [losing away to Lupopo], it was going to be a different story.
“I think this draw we got away from home is going to be beneficial for us because you know how it is at home. It’s nothing [the results] I expected; I thought we would get one or two goals, but we had half of the stadium behind us, and I thought it motivated us and kept us going.”
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