Nelakau Compares Pirates Clash To ‘Chasing a Crocodile’
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) coach Lucky Nelakau admitted that facing Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday felt like “chasing a crocodile in the river.”
Nelakau was full of praise for the Buccaneers, describing them as the best team in the country at the moment after they moved to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with a midweek victory over AmaZulu at the Durban venue.
Pirates, who have already lifted two knockout trophies this season, secured their place in the round of 16 through first-half goals from Andre de Jong (penalty) and Thalente Mbatha, whose effort took a deflection.
They added two more after the break through Patrick Maswanganyi and a stunning 90th-minute strike from Sipho Mbule to complete a convincing 4-1 win.
“I’m happy with the performance against the best team,” Nelakau said.
“Mind you, it was like chasing a crocodile in the river—it was not easy at all.
“But remember, I used nine or ten young players, so I’m happy to give them an opportunity. It was good experience for them.”
Nelakau also acknowledged that the scoreline could have been heavier in Pirates’ favour, with goalkeeper Lebohang Mohale keeping the damage to a minimum with several fine saves, including close-range stops against Maswanganyi and Yanela Mbuthuma.
“We were lucky it ended at four—it could have been six or seven,” he added. “But overall, I’m happy with the performance.”
The match was staged at Moses Mabhida Stadium rather than in Venda due to the unavailability of suitable venues in Limpopo. Nelakau explained that several options were explored before the decision was made.
“We tried Peter Mokaba Stadium and Mbombela Stadium, but they were all booked for other matches,” he said.
“Playing at Moses Mabhida worked in their favour. That’s why I said we were chasing a crocodile. It helped them a lot, and it wasn’t our choice—we had no control over the situation.
“If it was another stadium, it wouldn’t have been like this. The Nedbank Cup decision was that we were supposed to play in Polokwane.
“In Thohoyandou, it was raining heavily, so we opted for Polokwane. But there was a Kaizer Chiefs match scheduled. We also tried Mbombela, but there were games there too. That’s why they decided to bring us here.”
