Bucs on the hunt for Downs scalp, says Mandla Ncikazi | OneFootball

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Pirates targeting maximum points ahead of Sundowns tie, insists Ncikazi

Photo: Mandla Ncikazi

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the Buccaneers are targeting nothing less than maximum points against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Sea Robbers host the defending champions in a top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening (19h30).

Pirates head into the match sitting at the summit of the log standings with 38 points from 16 games, while Sundowns have picked up 32 points in one game less.

With the highly-anticipated blockbuster encounter looming, the Bucs second in command has made it clear that his team is on the hunt for the Brazilians' scalp.

“The preparations are clear, we are preparing to win the match, we are preparing to get points. We prepare all matches to try and win them,” Ncikazi told Pirates' media department.

"We are going to give every effort to try and get the three points tomorrow [Wednesday]. The preparation is just preparing to get points and win the match - that's all we're preparing for.

While Pirates are searching for their first league title since the 2011/12 campaign, Sundowns are looking to clinch the championship for the ninth season in a row.

Notably, the two teams played to a one-all draw in the first meeting in the capital in November 2025 - adding an interesting layer to the return clash in Soweto.