Pirates coach Ncikazi: ‘Durban City are highly motivated’

Orlando Pirates FC have explained why they expect fellow South African side Durban City FC to be motivated going into their decisive Betway Premiership match at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 16 May 2026.

Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi described Durban City as tough opponents riding on a wave of confidence after their recent Nedbank Cup exploits.

“We are just looking at the next game,” he told the club’s website on Friday, 15 May 2026. “Durban City, a very tough opponent. Highly motivated after winning the cup.”

LAST ONE AT 🏠

🎤 Assistant Coach | Mandla Ncikazi;

” We are just looking at the next game, Durban City, a very tough opponent. Highly motivated after winning the cup.”

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/YmNl6uesXc

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 15, 2026

Pirates assistant coach addresses Durban City exploits

Ncikazi said the Buccaneers can sense the positive vibe in the camp of the hosts after they defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 to lift the Nedbank Cup on 2 May, their first silverware in the top-flight league in 17 years.

“It is not going to be easy,” he added. “You can even hear how motivated they are coming here.”

Nonetheless, the assistant coach for the Soweto giants stressed the need for collecting maximum points.

“Playing at the arena, there is one responsibility for all of us. It is to gather three points. The mandate has not changed, and that is what we will try to do in tomorrow’s match,” Ncikazi stressed.

Betway Premiership title options for Soweto giants

Following leaders and holders Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, the Sea Robbers are gunning for just three points from their last two Betway Premiership assignments to seal the title. It is all thanks to their superior goal aggregate.

With 65 points, two games in hand, and three points behind Sundowns, the Buccaneers will wind up the season with a match against relegation-threatened Orbit College FC.