Ncikazi apologises to Pirates fans for Woolworths/Pick 'n Pay comments

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has apologised to the Buccaneers faithful for saying that "Mamelodi Sundowns shop at Woolworths" while Pirates "shop at Pick n Pay and Spar".

Ncikazi was making the analogy that Sundowns have the financial muscle to monopolise the market, which gives them a clear advantage.

However, Pirates fans did not take kindly to those comments, and Ncikazi subsequently apologised.

"I think the financial fair play rules have to come into effect, and we must cap their finances," he said.

"Some teams are playing with development players, getting young players. Most developments were closed, SAFA was closed, but Sundowns buys at Woolworths, and we buy at Pick n Pay and Spar."

Those comments were quickly followed by an apology.

"I'd like to apologise to the supporters of Pirates for my comments about Woolworths/Pick and Pay," he said.

"I didn't mean to offend anyone. There's already comments from other teams, and because of that, I won't say anything further because I think that person has an issue with me and Pirates.

"I don't even want to clarify myself because I don't want to cause any more controversy, especially after the person who commented said those things.

"He has never had anything nice to say about me or Pirates anyway."