Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi is confident that the Soweto giants will bounce back from their shock 2-0 defeat to struggling Marumo Gallants on Saturday, a result that could prove costly to their title aspirations.

The Buccaneers, spearheaded by Ncikazi in the absence of Spanish mentor Jose Riveiro, who was serving a one-match suspension after receiving his fourth yellow card of the season against Cape Town City, fell to Gabadinho Mhango’s strike and a Thalente Mbatha own goal.

Pirates now trail Betway Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns [who beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 on Saturday], who are on course for a record extending eighth championship, with a staggering 18 points. However, Riveiro’s charges have four games in hand.

Following the unexpected defeat, the former Golden Arrows tactician says Pirates is big enough to cope with these types of setbacks and believes the match served as a learning curve for the title-chasing Sea Robbers.

“That’s football for you, there’s no outcome that’s guaranteed. I’m sure we have lessons that we have learnt from this game. We’ll do the normal analysis whether we lose or win and I’m sure this team is big enough to come back from such a result,” said Ncikazi.

Moreover, Ncikazi has identified a key area for improvement with games coming thick and fast and insists the Riveiro-led team only has a few deficiencies hindering them from achieving their ambitions with the club still in contention for major honors.

“Our offensive surveillance has to improve – we are working on it. If it still gives the transition that we had today, then there’s still more that needs to be done in that department. We knew they were big boys at set plays, but we still conceded,” added the Bucs second in command.

“And for me it’s not so many things, it’s just those few [mistakes] and then [if] we take the chances that we create, I think we will be back on track.”

Pirates have lost two of their last five games in the league and will swing back into action with a trip to Gqeberha to take on Chippa United on Wednesday. 

The Chilli Boys last claimed a league victory over the Soweto giants in August 2022 at Orlando Stadium under former Piates winger Daine Klate.