Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has urged his side to keep the same “spirit and determination” they did against CSMD Diables Noirs when they take on free-scoring Royal AM on Thursday.

The Buccaneers will be hoping to return to winning ways and extended their unbeaten run to three games in the league when they welcome Royal AM to the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Pirates head into this encounter off the back of a 1-0 victory over Diables Noirs, which subsequently saw them progress to their Caf Confederation Cup play-off round, joining fellow PSL outfit Marumo Gallants.

Ncikazi was pleased with his sides overall performance against the Congolese side and is hoping they can produce the same performance when face John Maduka’s side on this evening.

“The whole defence stood their ground against Diables. The midfield did exceptionally well,” Ncikazi said.

“Let us take the same spirit and determination into the next game against Royal AM. If we play the way we did against Diables, we will keep another clean sheet and win on Thursday.

“We are taking it one game at a time as we are trying to improve our team.”

Orlando Pirates against Royal AM kicks off at 5:30.