Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Mandla Ncikazi is pondering the potential impact of Jose Riveiro’s departure on his team’s performance after a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. 

In his first game at the helm, Ncikazi’s Buccaneers failed to secure a win, leading him to wonder if the players’ minds were elsewhere.

“With these results, your mind goes through a lot of things, and you couldn’t have one answer that can tell you what the course of that is,” Ncikazi said, hinting at the uncertainty surrounding the team’s performance. 

“But I can’t be sure, and at the same time, the coach had a great impact on the club.”

Ncikazi’s comments suggest that the players might be struggling to adjust to the sudden departure of Riveiro, who had a significant influence on the team. 

The Buccaneers had expected to use the match as an opportunity to celebrate Riveiro’s tenure and success, but the draw against TS Galaxy fell short of expectations.

“I thought they would use this game as a celebration of his [Riveiro] stay and success, but unfortunately, it didn’t,” Ncikazi said, expressing disappointment at the team’s performance.

Despite the draw, Ncikazi still has a chance to prove himself as the Buccaneers’ caretaker coach. 

With three league games remaining, including matches against SuperSport United, AmaZulu, and Magesi, Ncikazi will need to find a way to motivate his players and secure positive results.

However, the draw against TS Galaxy has raised questions about the team’s mental state and their ability to adapt to change.