Orlando Pirates: Mission accomplished for Ncikazi despite Al-Ittihad draw

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi believes the team achieved its main objective against Al-Ittihad despite failing to win the match.

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According to Ncikazi, Pirates just wanted to finish top of the Group B log heading into the encounter as they had already qualified for the quarter-finals.

A draw or a win was always going to be enough for the Sea Robbers, and Ncikazi isn’t too worried about the point they picked up because his team faced a very defensive Al-Ittihad side.

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Ncikazi further said another objective was to give as many of his fringe players a chance in order to rest those who have been regulars in preparation for Pirates’ next match.

And he did just that with the likes of Bongani Sam, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Gabadinho Mhango all getting some minutes under their belts.

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ORLANDO PIRATES ACHIEVED THEIR OBJECTIVES – NCIKAZI

“We would have loved to win the match but we achieved the bigger goal of qualifying on top of the group. That was our main objective,” Ncikazi told reporters after the match.

“We also had at some point to think about the next match but I think we achieved more in today’s match, in terms of, one; qualifying for the quarter-finals on top of your group, and then look at the picture of the next match in trying to rest maybe a few players in preparation for that match.”

“So, one; I’m happy for the team, happy for the players, for the effort against a low block sitting deep. You could say that the opponents were just playing for a draw, delaying tactics.

“But I thought we dominated, took charge, wanted to win the match. It is what it is but I’m still proud of the team for the achievement,” added Ncikazi.

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Up next for Pirates is Sekhukhune United whom they will face away from home on Wednesday night.

Kick-off at Ellis Park Stadium is at 17:30.

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