The experienced defender revisited the controversial statement ahead of Durban City’s MTN8 quarter-final clash against Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, explaining that his words had been taken out of context.
Ncanana’s original remark came after Durban City’s goalless draw against Pirates last season and quickly attracted criticism from the Soweto giants’ supporters.
The comment even found its way into one of the club’s documentary episodes, where Pirates director of football Mpumi Khoza weighed in on the matter.
Speaking during the MTN8 launch in Randburg on Wednesday, Ncanana sought to end the controversy once and for all.
“What I can say is that maybe they misinterpreted my statement. Not that I was being disrespectful or I have something against Pirates, no,” said Ncanana.
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The Durban City skipper stressed that he fully appreciates Pirates’ stature in South African football but believes reputations count for little once the match gets underway.
“We all know Pirates is a big club in South African football. What I can say is once the referee blows the first whistle it’s 11 versus 11. It is no longer about Pirates or us. What I was just trying to say is that we have to be strong.”
Ncanana’s clarification comes just days before Durban City face one of their toughest assignments of the season as they look to upset the defending MTN8 champions on their home turf.