Following the departure of José Riveiro, Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi found himself at the center of attention when the team played 1-1 against TS Galaxy on May 17, 2025. Besides marking the beginning of a new era for the Buccaneers, this match showed quite a lot regarding Ncikazi’s potential to drive the club forward.
A Familiar Face with a New Mindset
Having worked as Riveiro’s assistant for three years, Ncikazi is well familiar with the team dynamics and tactical approaches. However, he assures that there are certain variations in his and Riveiro’s approaches. “We are not twins; we’re two different people,” Ncikazi explained, describing his familiarity with the club’s routines while maybe hinting at his personal, unique leadership style.
Ncikazi’s first match at the helm showcased his commitment to nurturing young talent. Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equalizer, he refrained from placing blame on the inexperienced players. “It’s disappointing at the end that we had to play a draw… But I think there are so many lessons learned,” he remarked, highlighting the invaluable experience gained by the youngsters.
The game against TS Galaxy was not without its drama. Ncikazi was critical of the opposition’s rough play, especially on youngster Relebohile Mofokeng. “They were not playing the game but more rugged tactics to cope with such a great player,” he said, worried about the physical harassment his players endure.
Working with Emotional Transitions
Other than tactical wisdom, Ncikazi also anticipated the psychological impact Riveiro’s sudden exit would have on the team. He observed that the players might still be processing the change, explaining, “The coach had a huge influence. I believed they [the players] would utilize this match as a means of celebrating his triumph and remain at the club.”
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Looking Ahead
With Orlando Pirates looking forward with a match against SuperSport United on May 20, 2025, the reign of Ncikazi will be under stricter scrutiny. The combination of experience in the culture of the club and a fresh approach promises well. While early days, the youth development plan, tactical adaptability, and emotional intelligence of Ncikazi present him as a good bet for a more secure role in the future of the club.
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