sportskeeda
In anticipation of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final, Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has underscored that his team is not the frontrunner for the trophy.
Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates are preparing to clash in the Ke Yona Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Even though Pirates have gained momentum after defeating Chiefs in the league at FNB Stadium last weekend—marking their fifth straight victory against their Soweto rivals and allowing coach José Riveiro to match the record held by former Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter—Ncikazi asserts that Chiefs remain the team to beat.
Ncikazi pointed out that Chiefs’ historical achievements against Pirates in cup finals, notably their MTN8 victory in the 2014/15 season at the same venue, enhance their advantage.
“We recognize that we face a formidable opponent, Kaizer Chiefs,” Ncikazi remarked during a joint press conference in Durban on Wednesday.
“The historical match-up between the two teams in this competition shows that from a total of 23 encounters since its inception, we have secured victory 10 times, while they have triumphed 13 times.
“Currently, they have scored 14 goals in this season’s competition, leading the scoring chart, while conceding only two. Thus, we expect a tough match.
“As always, we will approach this game with the aim of victory, putting forth our utmost effort, and striving to make history by becoming the first club in the PSL era to win it three times consecutively.”
This assertion comes despite Pirates’ recent achievements in cup competitions, having won the MTN8 title three times in a row, all at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Ncikazi firmly believes that Chiefs are still the favorites for the Nedbank Cup final.
Pirates have claimed the Nedbank Cup in the past two seasons, defeating Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
If they succeed in the Nedbank Cup this Saturday, they would set a record for the most wins (five) since Nedbank began its sponsorship in 2008.
