Ncikazi Provides Insights On How Pirates Will Improve Next Season
Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has shed light on how the Buccaneers look to improve in the upcoming season after enduring a disappointing collapse in the back end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Sea Robbers had an impressive start to the season as they won their first seven league matches on the trot, breaking a previous record of six wins set in the 2002/03 season. In addition, they made it to the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 term.
However, a promising campaign left a lot to be desired, with Pirates losing ground to Mamelodi Sundowns in the race to the Betway Premiership title, including suffering a semi-final exit to Pyramids FC in the Champions League, before losing the Nedbank Cup final to fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
As a result of the late-season slump that saw them lose three competitions in a space of a few weeks, which ultimately led to the early departure of coach Jose Riveiro, the KZN-born tactician was tasked with steering the ship temporarily.
Ncikazi explained how the Soweto giants can bounce back from the disappointing season, stating that all the relevant departments at the club will work together to right their wrongs and make viable recruitment decisions.
“The truth is, how this institution operates is a submission of reports from different departments. Where did we go wrong or go right, conditioning, science, technical, we have to submit reports, specifically what is it we thought was right and did not go well,” he said.
“And still, it’s going to be scrutinized whether we are right. Data in this club is important, and it’s massive. It also informs the recruitment of players who are in or players who are going out. So, I’m sure that process is going to take place.
“After that process, answers will be there on where we should improve, which players need to be recruited, which players’ contracts are renewed – the whole process.”
The former Golden Arrows mentor went on to exude confidence in the club’s process of identifying weaknesses and strengths, crediting the same procedure for the improved Pirates side that was competing on all fronts in the 2024/25 season.
“But I trust that process because in the beginning of the season, that process we went through identified areas of weakness and strength and then we worked on that, hence there was improvement,” Ncikazi added.
“I’m sure if the same process were to take place, we are going to be better next season, I’m confident on that side.”
Since he was appointed as the interim boss, Ncikazi won one match and drew three. This saw Pirates register a second-placed finish with 61 points accumulated and a record number of 19 wins in the league.
