“Pirates Are On A Mission”: Ncikazi
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the Buccaneers are determined to maintain their positive start to the season when they face AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday.
The defending champions head into their second league match of the campaign with confidence after opening the 2026/27 season with a victory over Milford at home.
The Buccaneers, who completed a treble in the 2025/26 campaign, will be looking to build on that result as they begin their title defence and aim to maintain their strong early-season momentum.
Pirates will, however, face an AmaZulu side that also made a positive start to its league campaign. Usuthu defeated Stellenbosch in their opening match and will look to carry that confidence into their encounter with the Buccaneers at Kings Park Stadium.
The fixture also gives Pirates an opportunity to extend their impressive unbeaten record against AmaZulu in Durban.
The Buccaneers have not lost to Usuthu in the city for 17 years, with AmaZulu’s last victory over Pirates in Durban coming on 28 October 2009. Since then, Pirates have remained unbeaten against the Durban-based side.
Ncikazi acknowledged that AmaZulu will present a difficult test but stressed that Pirates have a clear objective heading into the encounter.
“Tough opponent, clear in their definition of how they play,” he said.
“Not an easy side to play, but Pirates are on a mission to gain three points early in the season. It’s important for our team and our objectives.”
A victory would see Pirates move to the top of the Betway Premiership standings, although that will also depend on the result between Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday.
The match will also mark Pirates’ return to Kings Park Stadium. Their previous appearance at the venue came in December 2021, when they drew with AmaZulu in a league encounter.
After Wednesday’s match, the Buccaneers will remain at Kings Park Stadium ahead of their next fixture. Pirates are scheduled to face Chippa United away from home on Sunday, making their stay in Durban part of a demanding period in their early-season schedule
