Arrows leapfrogged Pirates in fourth place with a superior goal difference thanks to a brace by Pule Mmodi, who scored in either half while the Buccaneers rued a missed penalty by Thembinkosi Lorch.
"Tough match, you can't predict what is going to happen when you're playing against Pirates, they change their tactical plan," Ncikazi told SuperSport TV.
"Today we expected something else, they brought two number tens, it was important that we adapt quickly to what they are doing.
"I thought we defended well, prepared to come out on a counter which is what we planned. We could have been better in some areas but hey don't be greedy, take the three points," he said.
"Who will give you three points like this from Orlando Pirates? This is still a very good team, I'm proud of the players, it's always good to be a coach in front of such a group.
"Pirates are a good team that will always pose tactical threats, I knew because they do a lot of analysis, unfortunately we played into their hands but I thought we defended well, I'm just proud of the players that have been played for a long time and come do a shift like that. You always proud to work in front of them, work in progress."
Ncikazi was asked if there was controversy in the first goal scored by Mmodi just before the break as there were two balls on the field but he said he was none the wiser and also added that he's happy he ended his goal drought.
"I didn't see two balls, it was two tens, if that was the case unfortunate but if we benefited from that let it be," he said.
