Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi believes his side is well prepared to secure an important victory when they host Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena this evening, with kick-off set for 19:30.
Speaking to Orlando Pirates TV, Ncikazi acknowledged the challenge posed by the Natal Rich Boyz, who arrive in Soweto buoyed by a morale‑boosting 1‑0 win over Kaizer Chiefs.
Richards Bay remain firmly in the race for a top‑eight finish, sitting just one point behind TS Galaxy, and will be eager to claim back‑to‑back victories over Soweto giants.
“We’re facing another tough opponent that are very aggressive in their pressing and counter‑pressing,” Ncikazi said. “We are playing in our stadium, in front of our supporters, and we are just in competition to get three points. If the plan goes according to what we’re preparing for, we should get three points.”
READ: Orlando Pirates seek to strengthen title bid against Richards Bay
Pirates head into the encounter knowing that every point is vital in the title race. With 11 games remaining, both the Buccaneers and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns cannot afford to slip at this decisive stage of the campaign.
The Buccaneers are level on points with Sundowns, separated only by goal difference, making tonight’s fixture crucial in their pursuit of league glory.
Richards Bay coach Papi Zothwane, meanwhile, has played down expectations of his side claiming successive Soweto scalps. “I don’t want to put ourselves under pressure. Every game we play, we play to win, and we will certainly give them a good fight,” he said.
However, Richards Bay’s away form remains a concern after suffering a heavy 3‑0 defeat to Chippa United in their last outing on the road. The last meeting between these sides ended in a narrow 1‑0 win for Pirates, who will be determined to repeat that result and keep their Betway Premiership title ambitions alive.