Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves

Orlando Pirates open their CAF Champions League preliminary round with a two-legged tie against Mauritian champions La Cure Waves, the second leg coming to Soweto after the sides first meet in Mauritius. Pirates are reigning South African champions and sit top of the Betway Premiership, chasing a return to the group stage. La Cure Waves are making their maiden continental appearance after winning the Mauritian National Super League. Pirates arrive in ruthless domestic form, thumping Kruger United 4-0 and reaching the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised winger Ghampani Lungu for stepping up after the exits of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi. La Cure Waves look undercooked by comparison, with Mauritius's league not resuming until November, leaving a domestic cup as their only recent action. The clubs have never met before. Our prediction: 3-0