Orlando Pirates co-caretaker coach Mandla Ncikazi says perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise to have been drawn with AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup last 32.
The Nedbank Cup fixtures draws a mixture of DStv Premiership teams, GladAfrica Championship and lower division sides clubs—but Pirates found themselves clashing with Usuthu.
Speaking ahead of the match, Ncikazi admitted AmaZulu are a tough team to play against—but insisted they must play to win every match regardless of which side they are playing against.
“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that we had to start with a tough side like AmaZulu, not like other teams,” Ncikazi told club’s media department.
“I’m sure if we were to go through the hurdle of AmaZulu, maybe the draw will be better going forward, but you can’t choose the fixture.
“Pirates must play every match whether they play the so-called Premier League team, or playing a team from ABC Motsepe.
“Pirates must play to win if they were to win the tournament, and that’s the mentality that we must adopt.”
The Buccaneers will host AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium in a very much anticipated match on Sunday afternoon at 15:00.
