Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi expressed the team’s urgent need for three points against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday (19:30) following their unexpected 2-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants at Toyota Stadium on Sunday.

The loss in Bloemfontein dealt a significant blow to Pirates’ aspirations of challenging Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race.

Sundowns had extended their lead with a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, moving to 54 points from 20 matches, a substantial 18 points ahead of second-placed Pirates, who have played four additional games.  

“It is always good to have a comeback after a setback,” said Ncikazi. 

“It is nothing that will be acceptable except three points when we are go away to the Eastern Cape. 

He continued, “Preparation, there is nothing much that can be done on the field. We had one day, and we only had analysis of the previous match, and we were on the flight to the Eastern Cape. But more than anything, we just desperately need three points.”

Pirates will be aiming to capitalize on their historical advantage in the Eastern Cape. They have not suffered an away defeat to Chippa United since the 2015/16 season, when they lost 2-0 under coach Dan Malesela, with goals from Joseph Malongoane and Buyani Sali.

Notably, Chippa also defeated Kaizer Chiefs during that season and ultimately finished sixth in the league, the only time they finished in the top eight, while Pirates finished seventh.

Chippa enters the match after a goalless draw against Richards Bay on Saturday, a performance described by their coach, Thabo September, as “awful to watch.”