Orlando Pirates return to the CAF Champions League to face La Cure Sylvester SC in a clash that exposes a staggering financial gap between the two clubs.
Orlando Pirates travel to the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex for the 13:30 kick-off.
Their opponents** La Cure Waves SC** operate on a fraction of the financial resources available to the Betway Premiership giants.
The scale of the difference has been revealed by former Mauritius international Patrice D’Avrincourt, who has offered an insight into the salaries earned by players in the island nation’s football system.
According to D’Avrincourt, the best-paid players in Mauritius earn around 50 000 Mauritian rupees per month, which is approximately R17 000.
However, only three or four players reportedly reach that level, while the majority earn just 15 000 Mauritian rupees — approximately R5 000 per month.
“Talking of money, the best-paid players here get 50 000 Mauritian rupees [R17 000], and that is maybe three or four players,” D’Avrincourt told Goal.
“Most of the players here earn 15 000 Mauritian rupees [R5 000], so I hope you understand what I mean when I say the levels are not the same.”
The comments underline just how different the footballing environments are ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
It is not only the financial disparity that will make this a different experience for Orlando Pirates.
D’Avrincourt also pointed to the playing conditions awaiting the Soweto giants, with Bucs set to play on an artificial surface at a stadium with a reported capacity of only 4 500 spectators.
“Pirates will come here and play on an artificial pitch at a stadium with only 4500 seats,” he said.
For Orlando Pirates, accustomed to the intensity and scale of South African football, Sunday’s assignment will therefore present a very different challenge.
On paper, the Buccaneers possess a significant advantage in resources and experience. But they will still need to handle the unfamiliar conditions and ensure that La Cure Sylvester SC do not turn their home advantage into a major upset.
The match kicks off at 13:30 on Sunday at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius.
