Ncikazi not carried away despite Bucs’ win in Libya | African News

Despite an impressive 2-0 win against Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli in their Caf Confederation Cup, Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi insists that more work must be done in the second leg to progress to the final.

Ncikazi has warned the Buccaneers that the match is not over despite the comfortable away from home. The Bucs got their goals through two rare scorers – Innocent Maela with a close-range header – before a sweet volley by Goodman Mosele to secure a crucial away win in Tripoli, Libya. The Libyans visit Pirates on Sunday next week and will be eager to overturn the result.

“We played a very good team; this Tripoli side is very good tactically. They can play direct and are very skilful. One must give credit to our players. They applied themselves very well, and I’d like to thank our people [team management] for the support. I’m just happy and proud of our team for the win away from home; it was important to score and get a result,” said the Pirates co-coach. 

He revealed how they were getting results in the second-tier continental competition while grinding results on the local front was proving tougher.

“The Caf competition is different from the league; we are also in the same situation where how we perform in the league and how we perform in this competition are not the same. We don’t want to be surprised; we will prepare normally and prepare for a good team. We have seen they’ve got treats, they can play direct, and they’ve got those players. We are going to prepare for the champions of Libya and prepare with all the respect to them,” added the former Golden Arrows coach.

Meanwhile, former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cuthbert Malajila, who had a stint in Libya, tipped the Sea Robbers to go through to the final. The other semi-final saw Congolese giants TP Mazembe secure a 1-0 win at home and will look to defend it when they visit RS Berkane of Morocco next Sunday.

By Kgopotso Makhubu

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