Ncikazi: Pirates not over the line just yet

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday May 11, 2022. 13:00

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has warned it is only half-time in their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final tie against Al Ahli Tripoli despite scoring two away goals in the first leg.

The Buccaneers are in a strong position to advance to the final after they beat Fathi Jabal’s side 2-0 at the Martyrs of February Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of first-half goals from Innocent Maela and Goodman Mosele.

However, Ncikazi is not about to write off the Leader, who have lost just once in four matches away from home in the competition this season and scored three goals in a 3-2 win over Zanaco in Lusaka during the group stages.

The 53-year-old tactician admitted it was vital to get a result in the away leg, but insists Pirates will respect the Libyan giants at the Orlando Stadium this weekend.

“The game is not over, it is half-time. We are only leading and when we get back home we will treat the match very seriously,” he said.

“It is important to understand the dynamics of African football. A goal away is important. One, we will treat the match as 0-0 and respect them because they are a good team.

“Try and progress to the next round. But we are not going to change anything by doing less, but we are just going to prepare for a very good team.

“We played a very good team in Tripoli tactically. They can play direct, they are very skillful but one must give credit to our players. I’m just happy and proud of our team for the win away from home. It was important to score and get a result.

“I’m gracious, we are still having the two goals and we just have to work on that and try to get into the final by playing well at home.

“CAF competition is different from the league. We are also in the same situation as to how we perform in the league and this competition.

“So we don’t want to be surprised, we are just going to prepare normally. We are going to prepare for the champions of Libya because we say they are a threat.”