Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has insisted the title is still on but his side’s focus is only on the next game, while snubbing a question on Monnapule Saleng.
The Buccaneers suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants on Saturday, while Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 to open an 18-point gap at the top of the log.
However, Pirates still have four games in hand and could cut that gap to six points, while also still facing Sundowns in the reverse fixture, with Ncikazi insisting they can only look from game to game.
“I wouldn’t want to look at it that way,” Ncikazi, who was on the sidelines and media duties due to the suspension of Jose Riveiro, told SuperSport TV.
“If we look at some teams having played 20 games and us being four games behind, I wouldn’t want to even look at it that way.
“Let’s win our next games and I think the race is still on, but we look at one game at a time and we’ll continue doing that until told otherwise.”
Check out today’s Betway Premiership fixtures and the updated log in our match centre.
With Pirates playing in Bloemfontein, and Bafana Bafana’s B side also facing Egypt in Bloemfontein, Ncikazi was asked about Saleng but opted to snub the question.
“I promise the supporters that we’re going to improve in the next game,” he replied when asked about Saleng.
“The Pirates that they saw today is not the one they expected and we apologise for that.”
Pirates return to action on Wednesday when they will face Chippa United.
