‘Three Points Is The Only Language’ — Ncikazi
Orlando Pirates have a golden opportunity to climb to the top of the Betway Premiership table when they clash with Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi emphasized that securing three points is the only acceptable outcome for the Buccaneers.
Pirates have remained in Durban since Tuesday, following an entertaining 1-1 draw against AmaZulu at the same venue on Wednesday evening. Instead of returning to Johannesburg ahead of the Sunday fixture, the team opted to stay behind in KwaZulu-Natal to streamline their match preparation and recovery.
A victory by more than two goals against Brandon Truter’s resilient side would propel Orlando Pirates to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.
History strongly favors the Buccaneers. Pirates have defeated Chippa United in their last six consecutive meetings across all competitions. The Chilli Boys’ last home victory over the Soweto giants came back in May 2016, when goals from Joseph Malongoane and Buyani Sali secured a win under then-head coach Dan Malesela at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“Preparations is always our strength, just quick turnaround, playing against a god opponent,” said Ncikazi.
“I think the coach, Brandon Truter, has got a unique way of formulating his team. We are preparing to face them, but one outcome that we are expecting is a win.
“Pirates is that team where it is just a language of three points, difficult as it may be, and that is all we are expecting in the match against Chippa.”
Chippa United were forced to relocate this home fixture to Durban due to ongoing maintenance at their primary venue, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
The Gqeberha-based side started their 2026/27 campaign with consecutive draws—a goalless stalemate against Golden Arrows followed by a 1-1 draw against Richards Bay at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, another temporary home venue for the Chilli Boys.
