Orlando Pirates turn attention to Carling Knockout Cup as assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi shares insight on team’s preparation and 'changed' Magesi

Dikwena Tsa Meetse have given Ezimnyama Ngenkani tough challenges in the past, famously eliminating them from the same cup, though they have struggled to secure points in league encounters.  

Magesi’s goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze, has consistently troubled the Soweto side in previous clashes, making him a key player to watch. The hosts will aim to disrupt the Pirates backline, but with their attacking prowess on display in past fixtures, they have proven more than capable of finding the net with ease.  

The real question now is who wants it more, as both sides have everything to play for. The home team is determined to go all out in their quest for silverware following their MTN8 triumph, while the visitors aim to show that their championship credentials are no fluke.  

Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi laid out the team’s approach to the fixture in a briefing with the Orlando Pirates’ media team.  

“It’s an opportunity for our team to move into the semifinals of such an important cup, we can only take lessons from our previous performances – and improve, no regrets, and only lessons to be learnt," said Ncikazi to the Pirates’ media team.  

“Improve the performance and get into the next round – that’s all this thing is all about.” 

Ncikazi noted that adjustments from past meetings may come into play tonight, but the Buccaneers are prepared with a clear strategy.  

“It’s the same name Magesi [FC], but so many things have changed since then – they've changed the coaching, they’ve changed the players,” he added.

“So, we wouldn’t want to use the history, but we want to use their performances, we want to use how use how they set-up, their performances, their weaknesses and strengths.”  

“Try and see where we can exploit and win the match [then] go to the semifinals of this cup,” he concluded.  

Even as the Buccaneers aim to progress to the semifinals of the cup, much remains at stake. With a dream squad at their disposal, they are determined to compete for league silverware and work their way back to the CAF Champions League.