Ncikazi points to key areas where Chiefs & Pirates are ‘almost equal’
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has highlighted areas where The Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs are “almost equal” ahead of the highly-anticipated Soweto Derby.
The two Soweto giants will lock horns on Saturday, 1 February at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final venue, FNB Stadium in Soweto.
The Sea Robbers, chasing the Betway Premiership title, need a win to close the gap on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Meanwhile, The Glamour Boys, looking to extend their winning streak after a victory over Sekhukhune United, will also be aiming for three points.
Speaking during the Pirates’ press conference on Tuesday at Rand Stadium, Ncikazi said he believes the two teams are nearly matched in defensive strength and attacking prowess, with the difference being Chiefs’ higher goals conceded.
Nasreddine Nabi’s fifth-placed side has conceded 16 goals, while second-placed Pirates have conceded only five.
Despite Pirates’ six-point league advantage, Ncikazi emphasised the small margins separating the sides, aside from their league positions and goals conceded.
He stressed that the outcome of the derby will not be determined by past statistics or current league positions, but rather by the performance of the teams on the day. Ncikazi also expressed confidence in Pirates’ preparations and their determination to secure a victory in this crucial encounter.
NCIKAZI – ‘THE MARGINS BETWEEN TWO TEAMS ARE VERY NARROW’
“The margins between the two teams are very narrow, defensively we’re almost similar, chance creation we are similar, but the only difference is on goals conceded,” said Ncikazi.
“They have conceded more but every other stat is equal if I were to use stat. So, the margins between the two teams are not as big except for log positions and the goals conceded.
“So, we’ll try and focus on what we think we’re doing better than them where we have conceded less but again you must remember it’s a derby. Form, records don’t work. It’s what happens on the day and we’ll try to focus on our performances so that we can get a result.”
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