Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has explained why he believes Kaizer Chiefs are the favourites to win the Nedbank Cup final ahead of the two giants' eagerly anticipated clash this weekend.
The Buccaneers are out to make it three Nedbank Cup trophies in three seasons when they meet arch-rivals Amakhosi in front of a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
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Although they have already beaten Nasreddine Nabi's men twice in the Betway Premiership this season, Ncikazi is adamant it is actually their opponents who are favourites to depart from King Shaka International Airport with the shiny piece among their luggage.
"We know we're playing against a very good team, Kaizer Chiefs," Ncikazi told journalists at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
"Currently, they have scored 14 goals. I think they are the top scorers (in the tournament). They’ve only conceded two. So, it’s not going to be an easy match. But as usual, we will play this match to try and win.
"Please allow me to make a small correction, we are not favourites! Being a favourite is very subjective. It depends on how you look at it.
"One, Chiefs were the last winners in a cup final that we last played between both teams. Secondly, Chiefs are a well-rested team if you look at how many we have played. We have played 48 games, and they have played 34 games.
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"So, we are 14 games more than what they’ve played, so they are your well-rested team.
"Coming into this game, we were playing yesterday, and Chiefs had a whole week of preparation. So, we don’t want to fall into the fallacy of thinking we are favourites.
"We are not, but Kaizer Chiefs are," notes the former African Wanderers player.
