Ncikazi: We Have To Defend Our Cup

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi believes the team has a responsibility to defend their MTN8 title as they prepare to face Polokwane City.

The Bucs will kick off their Wafa Wafa campaign at the sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, aiming for a winning start.

The defending champions are seeking their fourth consecutive title, a feat that would be a first under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Ouaddou, who joined from Al Ahly, takes over from Jose Riveiro, who led the team to their previous three victories. This highly anticipated match will be Ouaddou’s official debut with the team following a pre-season tour in Spain. He will be looking to set a positive tone for the upcoming season.

Adding to the excitement is the presence of former Polokwane City player Oswin Appollis, who was signed by Pirates to bolster their attacking options.

Ncikazi has assured fans that the team is well-prepared and ready for the challenge. He emphasized the duty of defending the title while also acknowledging the formidable opponent they are up against.

“I think the phase of preparation, integration, and adaptation is gone. Saturday is the competition phase,” said Ncikazi.

“Based on the preparations, I think we have done very well as a group, and the test we have to pass on Saturday. 

“We have a responsibility to defend the cup, moving to the next phase, and we need to try a overcome a very stubborn Polokwane City. 

“You can see from their preparation, they closed two weeks after everyone else was closed, and they opened two weeks earlier. It’s an indication of a team that is very prepared; they haven’t changed much, their team, and even the coaching.

Ncikazi concluded by acknowledging the difficulty of the match but reiterated the team’s determination to win.

“So one, we’re going to face a very difficult side, strong on transitions, strong on set place. We have to overcome this team for us to have an opportunity to win the cup again,” he said.