Ncikazi Defends Young Bucs, Claims Orlando Pirates' Failures Not Their Fault

• Orlando Pirates newly appointed interim manager Mandla Ncikazi has defended the young players at the club after recent poor performances from the Buccaneers since Jose Riveiro's departure
• The Soweto giants have only won one match in three games since the Spanish tactician's departure from the club
• The Sea Robbers new coach believes the direction the Bucs are taking with the young players is the right one for the club in terms of growth

Orlando Pirates interim manager Mandla Ncikazi has backed the young players at the club despite their disappointing performances at the end of the season.

Ncikazi, who stepped in as interim coach after Jose Riveiro’s departure, spoke following Pirates’ 1-1 draw with AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium over the weekend.

The last match under the Spanish tactician ended in a 3-0 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership, but the team managed only one win in their three league games after that.

Ncikazi defends young Pirates players

Ncikazi, speaking after the AmaZulu FC game, came to the defence of the youngsters in the Pirates first team following their recent poor performances.

The poor run started when they stumbled to a defeat against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership, followed by being knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the semifinals, and a defeat to city rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final. These three losses ended their hopes of winning the treble this season.

“Regarding the number of games, we might consider easing the load, but when it comes to experience, I don’t think that’s necessary,” he said.

“If you field Nkota in Egypt and Selepe in a Soweto Derby, the most important matches, I see the positives because a lot of valuable experience is gained in those games.

“The team is developing, and I believe the direction we’re taking is the right one for the growth not only of our team but of South African football as a whole.

“It’s a significant step for our club to be bold enough to embrace this process, and perhaps other teams should follow suit. It’s a courageous decision from our club, and I don’t see any fault in it.”

What’s next for Orlando Pirates this season?

Orlando Pirates still have one more match to play in the Betway Premiership this season, a home game against Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium.

This could be Ncikazi’s last match in charge of the Sea Robbers, as the Bucs board are already working on bringing in a new coach, with former Mamelodi Sundowns coaches Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane leading the race.

Ex-Chiefs star advises Pirates on next coach

Briefly News earlier reported that a former Kaizer Chiefs players has advised Orlando Pirates concerning their next coach before the new season kicks off.

The former Bafana Bafana star highlights some of the things the Sea Robbers should look out for before in their new coach.

Source: Briefly News