Mandla Ncikazi isn't backing down! With Orlando Pirates dominant in recent derbies, he’s dared Kaizer Chiefs to bring their best to the Soweto derby. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Orlando Pirates’ assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has dared arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs to head to the Soweto derby with revenge in mind, declaring that they’d have prepared thoroughly for the upcoming encounter between the Soweto Giants.
Pirates have beaten Chiefs in the last five league derbies, including embarrassing them 3-0 in the Betway Premiership earlier this season. The script has changed since the last time these two teams met, with Pirates chasing championship medals, while Chiefs are eager to finish in the Top 3.
Given all that, the team that bags three points and earns the bragging rights on Sunday at FNB Stadium (kick-off 3pm) will move closer to securing their seasonal targets.
Speaking during the pre-match duties at Rand Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, Ncikazi weighed in on Chiefs being haunted by the humiliation late last year.
“If a person is coming with revenge, that works better in a football match,” Ncikazi said. “For us, it’s just to respond.
With Chiefs proving to be effective in open play and set-pieces, Pirates are well assured of their defensive work, something that could aid their championship bid.
“The good thing about us this season is that we can play against a low-block, a team that is trying with the ball. You know the outcomes of the teams that want to go toe-to-toe with us,” Ncikazi said.
“We’ll play whatever is in front of us. Based on what they do we’ll try and respond.
“Fortunately, we’ve got a very good and mature team. We don’t have to worry about what the opponents are posing. We prepare for any situation.”