“Playing Arrows can be very deceiving,” said Ncikazi.
Orlando Pirates have suffered a double blow ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday night (kick-off is at 7.30pm).
The Buccaneers, who are trailing log leaders by 12 points but have two games in hand, will miss two of their key players for this crucial clash against Abafana Bes’thende.
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Nkosinathi Sibisi remains out as he serves the second game in his two-match suspension. Influential midfielder Thalente Mbatha is also not available only for this match following his fourth caution in the Soweto derby victory against Kaizer Chiefs last Saturday.
Arrows will also be missing the services of their attacking midfielder Blessing Mchunu. The 25-year-old is ruled out for the fixture after picking up his fourth yellow of the season in the defeat to Stellenbosch.
Ncikazi warns Pirates ahead of Arrows tie
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi warned his charges, saying the opponent’s position in the league shouldn’t be taken at face value.
“Playing Arrows can be very deceiving. Their position in the league is not (reflective of) the capacity that they have, so, we have to be cautious. It’s a new coach (Manqoba Mngqithi), a very astute (coach) with lots of experience,” said Ncikazi.
“They have acquired quite a few players from Royal AM, so we don’t know what to expect from them. We must concentrate on our game. Three points will be better.”
The Buccaneers go into this encounter against Arrows high on confidence following a come-from-behind Soweto derby win against rivals Chiefs at FNB Stadium over the weekend.
Another win in Durban will see them close the gap on Sundowns to nine points and they will still have two games in hand over the Brazilians who host Chippa United on Wednesday evening.
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Abafana Bes’thende come into the clash amid a run of four matches without a win, having suffered back-to-back defeats at home to AmaZulu and Stellenbosch over the past week.
Victory against Pirates will see them move above to 11th spot on the log and away from the relegation zone.
