CAFCL: Pyramids FC difficult but not invincible— Orlando Pirates assistant Mandla Ncikazi

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has described Pyramids FC as ‘difficult but not invincible opponents.’

The South African said this in a pre-match interview for the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg meeting with the Egyptian Premier League leaders in Johannesburg on Saturday, April 19.

Ncikazi told Pirates media that there was no easy opponent in the CAF Champions League semi-final stage, hence Pyramids are no exception:

"We are in a stage where the opponents are all difficult to approach, and Pyramids are no different,” he said. “[They are] the highest scorers in the CAF Champions League but we are playing at home.”

He described the big-spending Egyptian side as a big threat that the Soweto giants must treat with caution.

“We want to continue with our journey and reach the final. [It is] not an easy match but it is possible. They are not invincible...while they are the highest scorers, we are also strong in the tournament,” Ncikazi added.

The Egyptian Premier League leaders take on in-form Orlando Pirates on Saturday at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg (16:00 GMT). Pyramids FC are coming from a 1-1 draw with Al Ahly in their Egyptian Premier League match on April 15. The Egyptians saw off FAR Rabat in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

The Buccaneers’ last competitive game was a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup semifinal on Sunday.