Mandla Ncikazi Concedes Title Race Is Over, Says Mamelodi Sundowns Have the Trophy in Their Cabinet Already

• Mandla Ncikazi believes that Mamelodi Sundowns already have the DStv Premiership trophy in their trophy cabinet
• Orlando Pirates are 19 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns and level on points with Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs
• Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will meet in the Soweto Derby this weekend, with both teams needing a win

Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi has conceded that Mamelodi Sundowns have wrapped up the DStv Premiership title.

As reported by iDiski Times, Ncikazi said that Sundowns already have the DStv Premiership title in their trophy cabinet.

“Let’s control what’s in our control and gather as many points as we can, but from the look of things, I think the trophy is in Sundowns’ cabinet,” he said.

“It’s up to Sundowns to take the trophy out of the cabinet for competition, Ncikazi added.

Sundowns are now 19 points ahead of Orlando Pirates, with the Buccaneers sitting in fourth place. Sundowns are also 18 points ahead of the second-placed Royal AM and are well on their way to winning a sixth consecutive title.

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Football

Pirates are level on points with Kaizer Chiefs but have played three more games than their Soweto rivals.

The rivals next face each other this Saturday in the Soweto Derby. Kaizer Chiefs go into the game with having had a longer break between games, a fact Ncikazi was quick to point out, IOL reported.

Kaizer Chiefs last played six days ago against Baroka while Pirates were on duty two days ago against Cape Town City.

"We are coming up against a well-rested team on Saturday and we have no choice but to deal with it because we can't necessarily change it," Ncikazi said.

Both teams are in desperate need of a win as they chase a CAF Champions League spot. That spot is currently occupied by Royal AM but they are only a point above the Soweto giants.

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Boxing

The Soweto Derby takes centre stage this weekend and no player is more excited than Bernard Parker. Parker has competed in 30 Soweto Derbies over the years, 21 of those coming in the DStv Premiership, Sports Brief reported.

The Kaizer Chiefs legend is training hard to ensure that he is part of the matchday squad. As reported on the Kaizer Chiefs website, Parker said that he never wanted to go through the experience of losing the Soweto Derby.

As reported by The South African, Bernard Parker said that he knows Orlando Pirates have a certain flair, but with his years of experience, he knows how to contain and manage the Buccaneers.