Ncikazi Makes Honest Admission On Vacant Pirates Post

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has spoken out on the prospect of taking over the Buccaneers permanently, with the club looking for Jose Riveiro’s successor in the hot seat for the upcoming season.

The KZN-born mentor was temporarily put in charge of affairs after Riveiro, who led the Soweto giants to five domestic cups, was granted an early release from his contract as he signed off with a 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in his last game.

In the wake of the Spanish tactician’s departure, Ncikazi steered the ship in the last four Betway Premiership matches, picking up six points from a possible 12, with one win and three draws in the process.

Now, with the curtains having closed on the 2024/25 campaign, the former Arrows coach says he is not getting ahead of himself and thinking about assuming responsibility for leading the Sea Robbers ahead of the new term.

“Nothing is happening in my head [regarding the vacant coaching post], it’s empty. I have learnt too much in this club, you don’t only learn as a coach, but you also learn as a human being. They teach you to be a better man, they teach you to be a better human being,” said Ncikazi.

While the post is vacant, Ncikazi insists he is not flattered by the idea of taking over the reins at the Mayfair club, stating that he wants to be a Bucs servant as his future is not in his hands, with the hierarchy set to make crucial decisions in the off-season.

“I’m not the type who is looking for opportunities when I get to a club. I become sort of like a servant, I want to serve this club, and remember when you are appointed here [at Pirates], you must put your aspirations in the right place,” he added.

“You are here to serve, and if you are serving, you are not the one who determines which direction to go; it’s a mission, you go with the mission, because I’m here, it’s a mission. I will go where I’m sent to go and preach the gospel.

“And it’s not on me, it’s the appointer who will take the direction. My aspirations, there is nothing on my mind.” 

It remains to be seen whether Ncikazi, who joined Pirates in June 2021, will be retained as part of the technical team or as a sole head coach next season, with the Buccaneers said to be keen on roping in a foreign coach who might come with his backroom staff.