Mandla Ncikazi acknowledged that he expected Orlando Pirates to outnumber Stellenbosch FC on the stands again in Durban tomorrow. Photo: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has embraced the club’s obligation to deliver a historical MTN8 three-peat when they line up against Stellenbosch FC in tomorrow’s final.
The Sea Robbers will return to the Moses Mabhida Stadium for what they hope will be yet another memorable night under the Durban skies (6pm kick-off) against the Cape Winelands outfit.
Ncikazi has been part of three cup success stories in his career, and they have all culminated in his home province of KZN.
As assistant coach to Jose Riveiro, the 55-year-old has two MTN8 trophies and a Nedbank Cup medal, and now has set his sights on a fourth gong.
The Buccaneers have played Mamelodi Sundowns twice and AmaZulu in those deciders, both clubs they’ve dominated in terms of numbers on the supporters’ stands.
Ncikazi stood in for Riveiro at the pre-match press conference yesterday, and discussed his club’s preparation ahead of their huge encounter.
The former Golden Arrows man acknowledged that he expected Pirates to outnumber Stellies on the stands again in Durban, but also revealed the anxious responsibility associated with having a sold-out crowd shouting in expectation.
Just 2 days away!#MTN8 🏆 Final
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 3, 2024
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/ZnaZzObvBM
“I believe that the support will come from supporters of Pirates, but we must be cautious about that because the expectations are equally as high,” he stated.
“More blessings means more burdens, and when you work at Pirates, the expectations are always there.
“So, we take that with caution, and we also take that with responsibility. We’ve got so much on our shoulders while we sit in front.
“We would love to have more supporters, but we know that we have a duty to lead with integrity and deliver happiness after that.”
Although Stellenbosch have possible history of their own to make, having never won the Wafa Wafa competition, most of the pre-match discussions have been around the milestones of Pirates and the prospective three-peat.
Their guile and experience in previous seasons and competitions have set them up as the favourites to retain the title once more.
However, Ncikazi has insisted that the club doesn’t carry the ego of having won the two previous editions, but instead has targeted the 2024 instalment in isolation.
“The badge has gone through the process three times, but not all of the players have – some of them are playing a final for the first time, so we instil that,” he said.
“Just face the game as it is. It is Stellenbosch in front of us, with certain strengths and weaknesses.
“Let’s just deal with the match, and all other dynamics and metrics that stand next to it are not that important to us.”
The contest between the two teams is expected to be a close one, with both clubs having tasted trophy success last season.
Various battles around the pitch, as well as the tactical clash in the dug-outs, will be thoroughly checked and tested as the two most in-form sides in the country come to blows for a piece of coveted silverware.
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