Ncikazi chuffed with Pirates charges after away win

Mandla Ncikazi praised his side for a fine away day in difficult conditions after they beat Liberia’s- LPRC Oilers 2-0 on Sunday to put themselves in an excellent position to qualify for the group stages of the Caf Confederation Cup.

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Strikes right at the end of each half, from Tshegofatso Mabaso and Fortune Makaringe were enough to give the Buccaneers a healthy advantage, heading into the second leg of the final qualifier this Sunday at Orlando Stadium.

“It was not an easy match…it was very hot and the field was a bit smaller than we are used to and a bit bumpy.

“We had to score. In these African club competitions it is important to score away. We could have scored more but we are happy with a two goal difference. It still gives your opponents a chance, we are not taking anything for granted in the second leg.

“They are a good side, with good players, so we always have to mindful when they come to South Africa. But at least we have an advantage,” he said.

Pirates will have DStv Premiership duties to perform first on Thursday as they take on Baroka FC at home, hoping to pick up where they left off in their last league game, a much-improved 3-0 hammering of Stellenbosch.

A victory for Pirates over a struggling Bakgaga would continue an upsurge and move them up the table to within a point of second-placed Kaizer Chiefs.