Ncikazi Confident As Pirates Prepare For TTM In Nedbank Cup Clash
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the team has thoroughly analysed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) and is ready for the challenge ahead of their Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates have reached the last three Nedbank Cup finals in as many seasons but suffered a painful defeat at the Durban venue last season when they lost to Kaizer Chiefs.
That match proved to be the final game in charge for coach Jose Riveiro, with Ncikazi stepping in to oversee the remaining fixtures.
Riveiro enjoyed a highly successful spell at the club, winning the Nedbank Cup twice and lifting the MTN8 trophy three consecutive times. Last season’s Ke Yona Cup would have taken his tally to six trophies in three years before his departure.
The Spaniard, who was hugely popular with the Pirates faithful, left before the end of last season and was replaced by Abdelsam Ouaddou during the off-season.
The Moroccan coach has continued where Riveiro left off, guiding Pirates to MTN8 glory for a record fourth successive time and adding the Carling Knockout Cup to complete a double within his first few months at the club.
Pirates are now firmly in contention for a treble, as they sit three points clear of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership after the first half of the season.
The Buccaneers could even achieve a remarkable four trophies in a single campaign if they manage to win both remaining domestic competitions.
However, they will first have to navigate past TTM, who are currently campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League, in the opening round of the Ke Yona Cup.
“The most important mission for our team is to go to the next round,” Ncikazi said.
“We don’t focus on names; we focus on the opponent in front of us. Our preparation is about that.
“We have analysed them, we have watched them, and we are preparing to qualify for the next round, regardless of who we are facing on Saturday.”
Pirates’ chances of going deep in the competition were boosted earlier this week when defending champions Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out by Stellenbosch FC in the first round.
