Deon Hotto netted in the 53rd minute to see maintain the Bucs' seven-year unbeaten streak against AmaZulu, whose wretched form in the Nedbank Cup continued.
And while Ncikazi admitted it was a hard-fought match, he feels his side were in control of the game and therefore worthy victors.
"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.
"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, 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."