Ncikazi Emphasizes Need for Pirates' Strong Comeback

Orlando Pirates are aiming to bounce back after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Saint Eloi Lupopo on Sunday in their CAF Second Preliminary Round encounter in Lubumbashi.

The result means that Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side has their work cut out for them in the second leg at Orlando Stadium.

The Soweto giants have temporarily shifted their focus to domestic competition, as they will face Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium [19:30].

“It’s important to gather as many points as possible. We know that the number of games is not the same, but it’s still important for us to play and win matches,” Assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi, told OPTV.

Pirates currently sit third in the Betway Premiership with three games in hand due to their participation in continental competition.

“It’s important to have a comeback, improve performances, there we are guaranteed, if we improve performances, we’ll get the right results,” added Ncikazi.

Last season’s runners-up face sixth-place Polokwane City, whom they faced earlier this season in an MTN8 quarterfinal encounter, which they won 2-0 at home.

The Limpopo-based side will be hoping to get one over the Sea Robbers this time around.

“Polokwane City is a unique team. The coach [Phuti Mohafe] has a very unique style of how he sets up his team, for us is to just nullify the strengths of the opponents and improve our performance, and adapt quickly to a new situation, and a new competition, and win the match. That’s all that matters right now,” concluded Ncikazi.

The Bucs will be aiming to make amends for their loss in the DRC, with one eye on Saturday’s second leg encounter with Saint Eloi Lupopo at Orlando.