The type of football Ncikazi is expecting from Komphela’s Swallows
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has detailed out the type of football he’s expecting from Steve Komphela’s Mokora Swallows on Tuesday in the original Soweto Derby.
The crosstown rivals will renew their rivalry in the DStv Premiership with three points and bragging rights at stake. Kickoff at Orlando Stadium also known as Esigodini is at 7:30 pm.
This will be the first time the two teams meet in the 2023/24 PSL season. Last campaign, the Sea Robbers completed a double over The Dube Birds winning with 1-0 and 4-1 scorelines respectively. But that was before Komphela joined the club.
Heading into the derby, both sides will be aiming to get back to winning ways. The Bucs were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by KZN side Richards Bay FC, while AmaSwaiSwai lost 1-0 against another Soweto rival Kaizer Chiefs.
On the log standings, Swallows are two points ahead of The Ghost as they have amassed 18 points from 11 matches. Swallows lay sixth, while Pirates are ninth.
MANDLA NCIKAZI IS ANTICIPATING AN ATTACKING SOWETO DERBY ENCOUNTER
Ncikazi says he’s expecting a very entertaining match as Komphela is the type of coach who plays attacking football.
However, the former Golden Arrows FC coach, Ncikazi is aware that tactics can change depending on the events of the match.
“Understanding coach Steve Komphela as a coach he wants to play good football, he wants to press a bit higher,” said Ncikazi.
“I don’t see a low block, it suits us best we just have to prepare correctly our team. But prepare for all eventualities because sometimes tactics change based on the result.
“It’s more than just tactics, it’s a mental game, it’s an attitude game and it’s a willpower game. We just have to combine all the elements to try to win the match.
“If they score early, if we score early you will always find a change. I think we will see a good game that Pirates must win.”
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