Durban City FC defender Siphamandla Ncanana has moved quickly to set the record straight ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster MTN8 clash against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. The defender insists he never meant to disrespect the Buccaneers when he made his now-famous “Pirates is just a name” comment at the end of last season.

Ncanana’s remarks came after Durban City held Pirates to a goalless draw on 16 May, a result that secured City a Top 8 finish while denying the Buccaneers the chance to celebrate lifting the Betway Premiership trophy in front of their home supporters.

His comments sparked debate among football fans, with many believing he had taken a swipe at one of Mzansi’s biggest clubs. But speaking ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash, Ncanana said his words were misunderstood.

“What I can say is maybe they misinterpreted my statement. Not that I was being disrespectful or trying to undermine Pirates. I have nothing against Pirates.

“Pirates, as everyone knows, are a big club in South African football. What I meant was that once the referee blows the whistle, it’s 11 against 11. It no longer matters whether you’re Pirates or Durban City - it’s about what happens on the pitch. I wasn’t being disrespectful,” said Ncanana.

The 28-year-old defender said his only message was that no team should be intimidated by a club’s reputation once the match begins.

Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has also poured cold water on the controversy, saying the comments are now firmly in the past.

The Bucs skipper believes both teams have a fresh challenge ahead in the MTN8 and there is no need to dwell on what happened last season.

“It’s a different competition and a different mission for us. What’s happened is water under the bridge. We’re only focused on playing a very good Durban City side on Saturday.

“We shouldn’t focus on what happened last season. Football is a game of emotions and sometimes people say things they probably shouldn’t say. I don’t think it came from a bad place or was meant to harm anyone. Our focus is on preparing for a very good opponent,” said Sibisi.

With both sides eager to book a place in the MTN8 semi-finals, all eyes will now be on whether the action on the pitch can match the talking points off it.

League standing: 13th in Premier Soccer League, 0 pts, 0W-0D-1L from 1 games, recent form L.