Durban City FC defender Siphamandla Ncanana has set the record straight regarding his controversial remarks about Orlando Pirates, where he described the Soweto giants as “just a name.”
Ncanana made the initial remarks in his post-match interview after putting in a Man of the Match performance during a goalless draw against Pirates in the penultimate round of the Betway Premiership last season.
The result stalled the Buccaneers’ title charge, forcing them to secure maximum points in their final fixture against Orbit College FC to seal their first league title in 14 years.
Despite the league title race concluding, Ncanana’s post-match comments resurfaced and gained fresh traction after being featured on Pirates’ official docuseries, Bucs Camp: We Fight Till The End.
In the docuseries, Pirates Director of Football Mpumi Khoza expressed his displeasure over the defender’s statements, admitting the comments kept him awake at night.
NCANANA EXPLAINS “JUST A NAME” STATEMENT
Speaking at the MTN8 launch in Randburg on Wednesday night, the 26-year-old defender clarified his intent, stressing that his words were meant as self-motivation rather than disrespect toward the Sea Robbers.
The bold comment sparked widespread debate across South African football and was highlighted in Pirates’ Bucs Camp: ‘We Fight Till The End’ docuseries, where Mpumi Khoza admitted the statement gave him sleepless nights.
“Saying Pirates is just a name; I meant that when the referee blows the whistle, it’s no longer about who we are playing against; it is 11 players against 11,” Ncanana explained. “So it’s about whoever wants it more. I respect Orlando Pirates because it’s a big team, but when we are on the field, I motivate myself with the fact that as a footballer, you must not be afraid of another player.”
Ncanana added that the Durban City squad holds full respect for the Soweto giants despite the viral reaction surrounding his post-match comments.
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“Now that this is happening with all the clips out there, I can say that we respect Pirates as a team [Durban City], not only me because I am the one who put the team in this situation; they are a big team in South Africa,” Ncanana added.
“But as I said, once the referee blows the whistle, it’s 11 against 11, and that’s how I motivate myself, because that gives me a positive attitude to produce a good performance on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, Ncanana remains unfazed ahead of Durban City’s MTN8 quarter-final showdown against Pirates at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. Drawing confidence from holding the Soweto giants on their home turf last term, the defender insists his side will not head to Soweto merely to make up the numbers.
“We played at Orlando last season, and we got a point in the league, so it is possible for us to win on Saturday if we put our minds to it,” Ncanana declared. “Instead of fighting for a draw, we will be fighting to win this one.”
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