Ncikazi Wary Of High-Flying Durban City As Pirates Eye Premiership Glory
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi expects a grueling encounter against newly crowned Nedbank Cup champions Durban City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Ncikazi believes City’s recent cup triumph will serve as a massive psychological boost for the visitors.
Durban City recently lifted the Nedbank Cup after defeating TS Galaxy, joining Orlando Pirates as the only two teams to claim domestic knockout silverware this season. The Buccaneers have already completed a double by lifting both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup.
Now, the Sea Robbers are chasing a bigger prize: their first league championship title since 2012. A crucial victory against Durban City would put Pirates in a prime position to secure the Betway Premiership crown ahead of their final-day showdown against Orbit College.
Pirates are currently second on the table with 65 points from 28 matches, while Mamelodi Sundowns FC lead the standings with 68 points after completing all 30 league matches. Sundowns have now shifted their focus to the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR, with the first leg set to take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Sundowns dropped crucial points in recent matches, particularly in their last three outings. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Kaizer Chiefs FC before recording a thrilling 7-4 victory over Siwelele FC in a high-scoring encounter.
However, their momentum was halted in their latest fixture after suffering a 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Tuesday.
Despite expecting a tough encounter, Ncikazi said Pirates’ objective remains unchanged — collecting maximum points.
“The emphasis is clear. Our process is to approach every game properly. We have played 28 matches, and we still have two more to play,” said Ncikazi.
“We are only focusing on the next game against Durban City. They are a very tough opponent and highly motivated after winning the cup. It is not going to be easy. You can hear how motivated they are coming here.
“But when you play at Orlando Stadium, there is one responsibility for all of us, and that is to collect three points. The mandate has not changed, and that is what we will try to achieve in the match.”
Fortress Orlando Stadium
History heavily favors the hosts this weekend. Pirates have turned Orlando Stadium into an absolute fortress this season, suffering just a single home defeat, which came against Sekhukhune United on the very opening weekend of the league campaign.
Durban City face a historical mountain to climb; the last time the club won a league match at the venue was over a decade ago in December 2014—back when the franchise was still known as Maritzburg United—courtesy of a brace from Ghanaian striker Mohammed Anas.
