Ncikazi’s Pirates Future Uncertain Amidst Coaching Changes

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi appears to be uncertain about his future with the club for next season, stating he will accept whatever decision the club makes.

Ncikazi was elevated to caretaker coach this month following the departure of the much-loved coach Jose Riveiro, who left with four games remaining in the season.

This move came after Pirates had already secured second spot in the Betway Premiership table, qualifying them for next season’s CAF Champions League, despite having lost to Pyramids in this year’s competition semi-final.

With a new coach expected to take over next season to replace Riveiro, it remains unclear whether the incoming coach will bring his own technical team. If so, it is uncertain if Ncikazi will be retained as one of the assistant coaches, as was the case when Riveiro arrived at the start of the 2022/23 season.

“Me, like I said, I’m wired differently,” Ncikazi remarked after Pirates played to a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

“I’m working at Pirates. If I’m not here, it wouldn’t affect me. If I’m there and it is decided, I’m still good enough.”

Ncikazi, who has been in charge for three matches and remains unbeaten, added: “I’m just happy with the contribution that I’m making at the club and appreciated by the club. As long as it is still like that, I will always be a servant of this club, until told otherwise.”

Pirates, who won the MTN8 and reached the Nedbank Cup final this season (which they lost to Kaizer Chiefs), have played 52 matches across all competitions so far. They will conclude their Betway Premiership season against Magesi at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.