"I’ll Remain a Servant": Mandla Ncikazi Speaks on His Orlando Pirates Future

• Mandla Ncikazi remains loyal to Orlando Pirates despite uncertainty around his future following Jose Riveiro’s exit, stating he will continue serving the club until told otherwise
• Ncikazi reflects positively on Pirates’ 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, highlighting progress, youth development, and closing the gap with Mamelodi Sundowns
• With Pirates set to appoint a new head coach, Ncikazi’s role in the technical team remains unclear, but he maintains a humble stance about his contribution and mission at the club

Orlando Pirates interim head coach Mandla Ncikazi has spoken out about his future with the club following the early departure of Jose Riveiro, expressing his continued commitment despite uncertainty around the coaching structure.

Ncikazi’s role after Riveiro’s exit

Riveiro’s unexpected exit before the end of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season thrust Ncikazi into the interim role, having previously served as his assistant. The 56-year-old, who joined Pirates in 2021 after a stint with Golden Arrows, signed a two-year contract extension that runs until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, with the club actively searching for a new permanent head coach, speculation has grown over whether Ncikazi will remain part of the technical team.

A servant of the club

Ncikazi remains grounded about his position and role at the Soweto giants, insisting he will continue serving until the club tells him otherwise.

“I’m wired differently. If I’m at Pirates, they are good enough. If I’m not, they’re still good enough. I’m proud of the contribution I’ve made and the appreciation I’ve received from the club. As long as that continues, I’ll remain a servant of this badge.”

Reflections on the season and club growth

Despite the transitional period, Ncikazi highlighted the team’s progress during the 2024/25 campaign, citing improvements in performance, youth development, and narrowing the gap with long-time league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I see myself as a smaller puzzle in a bigger picture. At Pirates, you are sent to fulfil a mission. There has been clear growth, whether it’s the narrowing of the gap with Sundowns, the records broken, or the youngsters who’ve stepped up.”

Although Pirates fell short of some targets this season, Ncikazi emphasised the importance of learning from shortcomings.

“We didn’t achieve all our objectives, but that’s part of the game. What matters is how we grow from it going into next season,” he added.

With Pirates eyeing a new head coach appointment, Ncikazi’s future may hinge on the incoming leadership. Nonetheless, his loyalty and humility have positioned him as a respected figure within the club, whether he continues in the technical team or not.

Amajita star player receives guard of honour

Briefly News previously reported that Amajita star player, Lazola Maku received a guard of honour when he returned back to school from the historic Under 20 AFCON triumph.

The 17-year-old, who featured for the full 90 minutes in every match and earned a Man of the Match award against Zambia, was cheered by fellow pupils and teachers in celebration of his achievement.

Originally from Cape Town, the teenager plays for SuperSport United’s youth team and has emerged as one of the standout performers in Raymond Mdaka’s squad. Reflecting on the homecoming, Maku expressed gratitude to his school for their consistent encouragement.

Source: Briefly News