Pirates target Arrows as Ncikazi basically gives up the title race

It is all about collecting as many points as they can for Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi, who reckons Mamelodi Sundowns have the DStv Premiership title already secured.

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Pirates are second in the table and have accumulated 30 points from 19 games, but, Sundowns are miles ahead, though they have played two games more, with 48 points from 21 games. 

What is important for the Pirates coach and his team is to focus on themselves ahead of their league tie with his former side Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium today, a day that also happens to be Ncikazi’s 52^nd birthday.

“Golden Arrows, it’s another assignment … You can imagine playing your previous team on your birthday, but I take that away, it is not about me. This is about Pirates, this is about points. It’s important that we get a win on Wednesday and look to the next assignment,” said the Bucs mentor.

“We just have to focus on ourselves, try to gather as many points as we can, try to take Pirates to the next level and try to play the brand of football related to the club. I know the gap is too big between us and Mamelodi Sundowns, but we only have to focus on ourselves. It’s only Sundowns who can take the cup (league title) out of their cabinet, but I think the cup is already in their cabinet.”

With a heavy fixture schedule, as they are also playing in the Caf Confederation Cup where they beat Algerian club JS Saoura 2-0 last Sunday at home, the Bucs coach believes it’s important to rotate the squad, but only when it is needed.

“We wouldn’t change it if it’s not broken, as much as possible we will keep the same players but again it’s important to rotate. We are playing on Wednesday. We must be very sober in thinking about how much load and how much mileage the players have acquired.”

Pirates and Arrows, who are placed in position 10 on the log, played to a goalless draw in the first round.