Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has insisted that the Buccaneers are just as big as Mamelodi Sundowns but have more support than the Brazilians, adding that the team has been set back buy injuries and changes in leadership.

Pirates beat Liberian side LPRC Oilers 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup play-off on Sunday and speaking after the match, Ncikazi spoke about the size of the club insisting they are on par with Downs.

“There’s improvement. It’s important that we’ve got momentum now. Pirates are a big team. You’re expected to win in every match. We’re on the level of Sundowns but we even have more support than them,’’ said Ncikazi.

The Pirates coach went on to explain why his team have then failed to hit the lofty heights that Downs have in recent seasons’ as he pointed to a lengthy injury list and changes in leadership as the reason why they have struggled in recent times.

“So, given our level, we’re not achieving but we understand the process because we have new leadership [referring to himself and co-coach Fadlu Davids] and a lot of players have been sidelined by injuries. But now I think we’re on the right track towards achieving big things,’’ he concluded.

Pirates are next in action against Baroka in a league match on Thursday before turning their attention to the second leg tie against LPRC Oilers at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.