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“Nothing is confirmed, and there is so much to play for," said Ncikazi.
Mandla Ncikazi, coach of Orlando Pirates says the club still has a lot to play for this season. Photo: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
With a second-place finish guaranteed and a CAF Champions League spot secured, one would think that Orlando Pirates have nothing else to play for, but coach Mandla Ncikazi disagrees.
The Buccaneers are currently second in the Betway Premiership standings with 59 points after 26 games. They are 14 points behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have successfully defended their league title.
ALSO READ: Sundowns’ Lebusa wary of Pirates’ Champions League slayer
They next face AmaZulu away at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday (kick-off is at 3pm).
‘Records are important for Pirates’
Speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over SuperSport United midweek, Ncikazi believes there is still a lot to play for this season, including chasing the club record and individual awards.
“Contrary to what people are saying, there is nothing to play for. There is so much to play for in our team,” said Ncikazi.
“One, the records are important for the club, and the players must be proud of the history, having done what happened. It is game number 19.
“Secondly, there are still individual awards for all these players. The goalkeeper of the season might come from our club. The defender of the season might come from our team.
“[Nkosinathi] Sibisi has a big opportunity; [Deon] Hotto has a big opportunity, and Tshego [Tshegofatso Mabasa] is chasing the leading goal scorer [award]; there is still a big opportunity.
“There is much to play for, and nothing is confirmed. The history, but on top of this, these players are professionals,” added Ncikazi.
Realistically, though, Mabasa looks unlikely to catch the current Betway Premiership leading goalscorer Lucas Ribeiro, who has netted 16 goals this campaign. The Buccaneers’ marksman has only scored seven so far and will need to score 10 in the last two games to beat the Brazilian striker to the award.
PSL postpones Awards ceremony
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League has announced that the Awards ceremony, which has traditionally been held during the month of June, has been postponed. This is due to Sundowns’ participation in both the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2024/25 CAF Champions League Final.
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“The PSL, its Member Clubs, and all stakeholders in professional football across the country are united in their support for Mamelodi Sundowns as they fly the flag for South African football at these prestigious events.
“The League will communicate the new date and further details of the Awards Ceremony in due course,” read a statement from the League.
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