Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi says he was proud of the Buccaneers' for the Nedbank Cup win over AmaZulu.

Deon Hotto's second-half strike was enough to send the Soweto giants to the round of 16 on Sunday afternoon.

Read: Bucs Advance In Nedbank Cup After Keeper's Late Heroics

"Typical cup game. Tough match. Tough side AmaZulu," the Buccaneers co-coach told SuperSport TV.

"We expected that but I thought we controlled the game well. I knew there were going to be challenges as this was the first game after the restart.

"But I thought we controlled it well. AmaZulu still dangerous on the counter. Except for the penalty that they got I did not see too much threat. We see the progress we have made but what is more important is getting through to the next round. And we did that. Proud of the troops. I think they gave their all. It was nervy but it's a cup match.

Ncikazi also expressed his pleasure with some of the players returning from injury ahead of a busy schedule.

"I'm starting to see Pirates coming back in terms of the players. Still waiting for a few players to come back but it looks positive and with the games that are coming - all of them cup finals - we need all the players and it's important that we have a full team," he added.

"All the players ready and if we're involved in CAF, involved in the local game, involved in the cup it's always going to be tough but Pirates are coming through."

View 22 players you may have forgotten played for Orlando Pirates: