Ncikazi says Pirates objective is three points against Sekhukhune

As Orlando Pirates prepare to host Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership tie, assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the objective is clear and they will be going all for three points when the teams lock horns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. 

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Ncikazi and the rest of the Pirates squad are trying to ensure that they end the season in second position on the log. A win against Sekhukhune will go a long way for the Buccaneers, with SuperSport United also trying to secure the second spot. 

Pirates have been in good form in the last few weeks of the season, and that has seen the team become favourites for the runners-up spot, which will subsequently see them qualify for the Caf Champions League. The Soweto club are in second spot on the league table going into this match.

They have recorded 50 points from 28 games, but third placed SuperSport are hot on the heels with 48 points from the same number of games. The Buccaneers’ form has also seen them book a place in the final of the Nedbank Cup.

This is after they knocked-out rivals Kaizer Chiefs in their last match. Ncikazi says the team has been prepared well for this clash, what matters most on the day will be the Sea Robbers getting maximum points. 

“The preparations have been going well. It’s important that we play one game, the game which is tomorrow (Saturday) which is a league match,” said Ncikazi. 

“The value is three points and that’s what we have prepared for, that’s what we have prepared for. We are trying to shape the minds of our players. We have a responsibility and the objective is very clear, which is three points and fulfil the objectives of the season.”

Bucs, however, will be coming up against a Sekhukhune side which has also been able to get decent results. Babina Noko are Pirates’ opponents in the Ke Yona Cup final, which will be played 27 May. But, the focus now is solely on the league, with only two games remaining to the end of the season.

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While Bucs are chasing the Caf Champions League spot, Sekhukhune are trying to make sure they stay inside the top half of the table. The club from Limpopo are sitting in position seven on the log with 36 points.