Ncikazi urges SA public to support Bucs in Africa

Mandla Ncikazi

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi believes they are representing South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup and hopes the public will get behind Bucs ahead of the upcoming semi-final games.

The Buccaneers reached the semi-finals after defeating Tanzanian side Simba SC in a penalty-shootout over the weekend and will now be up against Libyan side Al Ahli Tripoli on 8th May at 11 June Stadium in Tripoli.

In an interview carried by The Sowetan, Ncikazi said the goal at Pirates was to make South Africa proud and hoped the public would all become Bucs fans for the semi-final games.

“I see our progression as a good representation for our country [as] we’re the only [SA}team that’s surviving. Pirates must take the responsibility of representing our country.

“For me, it’s no longer about teams, it’s about us representing the country. I hope all South Africans will be Pirates supporters when we’re playing the next matches,” Ncikazi said.

Ncikazi feels that Bucs’ past history playing in Africa gives them the pedigree to progress past semi-final opponents Al Ahli Tripoli over the two legs.

“Pirates have always been in African championships. Roger de Sa went to the[Champions League] final [and lost to Al Ahly in 2013], Eric Tinkler went to the [Confed Cup] final [and lost to Etoile du Sahel] and the team won the cup (CAF Champions Cup, before the restyling to Champions League] in 1995,” said Ncikazi.

“So, I don’t think there’s anything new. We’re in the competition to win it. We shouldn’t be here to make numbers… with the history, we should do it.”

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