Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi says it’s positive for South African football that local sides do well in continental competitions, adding he is hoping for an AmaZulu vs Mamelodi Sundowns Champions League final and for his side to win the Confederation Cup.

The Brazilians made history with a 1-0 win over defending champions Al Ahly this past weekend to top Group A after three matches, while Usuthu occupy second place in Group B after winning two of their opening three games.

In the Confederation Cup, the Sea Robbers lead Group B with six points from two games following a 6-2 hammering of Royal Leopards in Mbombela this past Sunday.

Speaking after his side’s win, the Pirates coach inisited that South African football is moving in the right direction.

“For me, I look at the South African game. I don’t look at individual teams,” he told media on Sunday. “AmaZulu doing well, Sundowns doing well, history being made with them winning in Egypt against Al Ahly.

“It’s just a rise of South African teams and if that’s the direction that we’re taking, even going to the national team, it’s just positive for the country.

“I just hope all the teams that are still part of the competition can go further as high as they can. It will be nice to have a final between Sundowns and AmaZulu, why not? And then Pirates win the other trophy.”