La Cure Waves head coach Jerome Thomas has explained why he was forced into making two first-half substitutions during their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash against Orlando Pirates.
The Mauritius champions found themselves under sustained pressure as Pirates dominated proceedings, with Thomas making both changes before the break as he looked to manage his players’ fitness levels.
Thomas explained that the difference in fitness between the two sides was evident, with the conditions and facilities available to his side – making it difficult for his players to match Pirates over the full 90 minutes.
“The reason is simple, because our players were already tired – they were already tired, in Mauritius we can play longer, with a different stadium,” he said.
After holding the Buccaneers to a goalless draw in the first leg in Mauritius, La Cure Waves travelled to South Africa for the return fixture, where Thomas was forced to manage his squad carefully as the intensity of the contest increased.
“I think you saw our stadium, only one side can see the match [it’s smaller], our players are different gap of fitness. If I can change 10 players during this match I would do it.”
The comments underline the significant challenge facing La Cure Waves as they look to compete with Pirates, who have considerably more experience at this level and greater squad depth as compared to an amateur side.
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