Chiefs fresher legs a key advantage over Pirates form, Ncikazi

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has dismissed suggestions that his side are favourites heading into the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs, pointing instead to the Soweto rivals’ pedigree in the competition and their fresher legs as key advantages.

The two teams will face off at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm in a high-stakes clash that brings together South Africa’s fiercest footballing rivalry. 

Pirates are chasing a third successive Nedbank Cup crown, while Chiefs are eyeing their first major domestic trophy since 2015.

The Buccaneers are also chasing an unprecedented sixth successive win over their arch-enemies. 

Despite Pirates’ recent 2-1 come-from-behind league win over Chiefs just days ago, Ncikazi was quick to shift the spotlight away from his team during the final’s pre-match press conference in Durban on Wednesday.

“We know we are playing against a very good team, Kaizer Chiefs,” Ncikazi said.

He pointed to the Nedbank Cup history between the two clubs, stating that Amakhosi hold the edge.

“The history of the two teams says, they’ve played 23 times since the inception of this competition. We’ve won it 10 times; they’ve won it 13 times.”

Ncikazi also stressed Chiefs’ impressive form in the competition this year, where they have scored 14 goals and conceded just twice.

“It’s not going to be an easy match, but as usual, we will play this match to try and win.”

He went on to dispute the claim that Pirates should be seen as favourites, citing various contextual factors.

“Please allow me to make a small correction — we are not favourites! Being a favourite is very subjective. It depends on how you look at it.”

Ncikazi offered two main arguments: Chiefs won the last major final between the two clubs, and they come into this clash better rested.

“One, Chiefs were the last winners in a cup final that we last played between both teams. Secondly, Chiefs are a well-rested team if you look at how many games we have played.”

“We have played 48 games, they have played 34 games. So, we are 14 games more than what they’ve played — so they are your well-rested team.”

Pirates were in action midweek, while Chiefs had the full week to focus solely on the final.

“Coming into this game, we were playing yesterday, and Chiefs had a whole week of preparation,” he explained.

“We don’t want to fall into the fallacy of thinking we are favourites. We are not, but Kaizer Chiefs are.”

Ncikazi’s comments appeared to serve a dual purpose — managing expectations and mentally preparing his players for the underdog role, which Pirates have used to great effect under coach José Riveiro.

Saturday’s final presents a chance to cement a golden era under Riveiro for Pirates. 

For Chiefs, it is an opportunity to end a nearly decade-long trophy drought and stake their claim in the post-pandemic football landscape.