Ncikazi: Chiefs fresher legs a key advantage over Pirates form

ORLANDO Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has dismissed suggestions that his side are favourites heading into the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs, pointing instead to the Soweto rivals’ pedigree in the competition and their fresher legs as key advantages.

- SMISO MSOMI

The two teams will face off at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm in a high-stakes clash that brings together South Africa’s fiercest footballing rivalry. Pirates are chasing a third successive Nedbank Cup crown, while Chiefs are eyeing their first major domestic trophy since 2015.

The Buccaneers are also chasing an unprecedented sixth successive win over their arch-enemies.

Despite Pirates’ recent 2-1 come-from-behind league win over Chiefs just days ago, Ncikazi was quick to shift the spotlight away from his team during the final’s pre-match press conference in Durban on Wednesday. “We know we are playing against a very good team, Kaizer Chiefs,” Ncikazi said.