Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has praised his side’s performance against JS Saoura after they progressed to the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

The Buccaneers managed to book their place in the next round with one game to spare after they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over JS Saoura at the Stade du 5 Juillet on Sunday night.

Pirates moved up to the summit of the Group B standings with 12 points, while JS Saoura fell down to third place in the log standings with seven points after five matches.

Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Kabelo Dlamini scored the decisive goals and Ncikazi was delighted with his side’s showing after claiming maximum points against tough opponents.

“I’m happy for our boys against a very good team,” Ncikazi said in his post-match media conference.

“They’re a very good team, but I thought we played well and imposed ourselves well where they were a bit unlucky with injuries.

“I think they’re a good team and that they will still qualify for the knockout stages as we’ll select a strong side for our final group game and play to win.

“We’re going to play to win against Al Ittihad as we’re a professional side who always wants to win and we’re going to select a strong team.”