Following the confirmed departure of head coach Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates have announced that Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi will take charge of the team on an interim basis for the remaining fixtures of the season, starting after their clash with Golden Arrows.
Ncikazi will be supported by Head Performance Analyst Rayaan Jacobs and the rest of the technical and support staff as the Buccaneers aim to close the season on a high note. With the Nedbank Cup victory already in the bag and a CAF Confederation Cup spot secured on merit, Pirates are now in a solid position to finish the season third on the DStv Premiership table.
Many fans are rallying behind Ncikazi, with calls growing to give him a fair shot. “Give Coach Mandla a chance,” one supporter wrote. “He has shown flashes of brilliance.” Others are suggesting pairing him with someone like Dukuduku Makhanya, known for his deep knowledge of player development and the local game. The potential partnership could form a strong local coaching setup, echoing growing calls for clubs to invest in homegrown leadership talent.
While some remain skeptical due to Ncikazi’s mixed record during his last stint, optimism remains. “Maybe Saleng will make a surprise comeback,” another fan added, hopeful that a strong finish and player resurgence could mark a new chapter for Pirates.
The coming weeks will be crucial, not only for the team’s final league position but for determining the future direction of coaching at the club.