Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi insists there is no easy match in South Africa’s Betway Premiership going into Tuesday’s meeting with Stellenbosch FC.
Coach Jose Riveiro’s right-hand man described the match scheduled for Athlone Stadium in Cape Town as a cup final as they seek to reduce the yawning gap from leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We are expecting a very tough match; one of the cup finals for our team as usual. We just have to perform to fight for points. I am confident that we will succeed,” he told the club's media.
Getting maximum points from the Western Cape opponents would depend more on giving Pirates players freedom than focusing too much on the opposition, Ncikazi added.
“There is no easy match in the PSL we have learned. We just have to analyse to the best of our capacity, give confidence to our players and allow them to perform without fear. If we do that, we are confident three points will be with Pirates,” he said.
Pirates are switching focus to the league after edging SuperSport United 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in their quarter-final battle at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
For the hosts, the mood is a bit subdued as Steve Barker’s side felt injustice in the manner they lost 3-1 to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal over the weekend amid questions on officiating decisions.
Full fixtures for Tuesday:
Stellenbosch v Orlando Pirates
Magesi FC v Richards Bay FC
Mamelodi Sundowns v AmaZulu FC
TS Galaxy v SuperSport United
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