Latest news with #Ncikazi
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Mandla Ncikazi on Orlando Pirates job: When I got into this club, I became a servant
Mihlali Baleka | Published 4 hours ago Mandla Ncikazi has devoted himself to being a servant of Orlando Pirates – hence, he'll serve wherever he's deployed by the management next season. Ncikazi served as the interim coach of Pirates in the last four matches, following the early departure of coach Jose Riveiro. He did fairly well in the capacity, guiding Pirates to 61 points – their best finish since the 2002/23 title-winning season after one win and three draws. As such, he has all but involuntarily thrown his name in the basket of coaches who may be considered to succeed Riveiro, having shown continuity. Ncikazi, despite serving as a co-coach and then assistant at Pirates, is no stranger to the head-coach role, having held the position at Golden Arrows prior to joining the Buccaneers. However, the 56-year-old – who's in his fourth season at the club – says the management will make the decision on his future as he's just ready to do his part. 'I've learnt so much in this club,' said Ncikazi, who was speaking after Pirates drew 1-1 with Magesi FC in their season finale at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. 'You don't only learn as a coach, you also learn as a human being – they teach you to be a better man and a better human being.' 'That augurs well for me because I'm not the type who is looking for opportunities. When I got into this club, I became a servant. I want to serve this club. 'Remember, when you are appointed here, you must put your aspiration in the right place (and act as required). 'You are here to serve and if you are serving, you are not the one who determines which direction you go with the mission. 'I'm here, and I will go where I've been sent to go and preach the gospel. And it's not on me: it is the appointer who will take a decision.' It's not only Ncikazi that has served with aplomb under Riveiro, but outgoing captain Innocent Maela as well. Maela led Pirates to five trophies – MTN8s and two Nedbank Cups – and three successive runners-up finishes in the Premiership as they qualified for the CAF Champions League. He wasn't a regular in the starting line up in the last two seasons, with Riveiro preferring Deon Hotto, who's naturally a left-winger, over him at left back. But the 32-year-old hardly sulked and moaned around, be it for late cameos or media duties as he showed up and spoke from the heart. His loyalty and service to the club seems as though it will be rewarded, as there are reports that he'll retire at the end of the season and work behind the scenes. 'He is a product of this institution,' said Ncikazi, before going down memory on the time he first saw Maela. 'I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KwaZulu-Natal, and I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach. 'But I was told he belongs to a big institution, so then you know what should happen. He's a great human being. 'Sometimes, we look at players and forget they are society members. 'It becomes very good when you have a good human being, and a good player. It's moments like that which make you continue being a leader, even if you are not on the pitch. 'He's highly intelligent. I'm sure he is educated at home and in the institutions of learning. It is a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to continue. 'It is not the end. He is taking another direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning.'
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ncikazi raises hand for Pirates job as Timm leaves
Ncikazi was unbeaten in his four games in charge of Pirates. Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi says he is ready to lead the club next season should the club ask him to do it. Ncikazi served as an assistant coach under Jose Riveiro for three seasons. The Buccaneers appointed him as the interim coach when the Spaniard left before the end of the season. ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates held by Magesi in Maela's last game Ncikazi was unbeaten in his four games in charge, registering one win and three draws in the process. His last game in charge was against Magesi at home where they had to come back from behind to draw 1-1 at the Orlando Stadium. 'I've learnt too much in this club. You don't only learn as a coach, you also learn as a human being, they teach you to be a better man and a better human being. And it augurs well for me because I'm not the type who is looking for opportunities,' said Ncikazi during a post-match press conference in Soweto. 'When I got into this club, I became a servant. I want to serve this club. Remember, when you are appointed here, you must put your aspiration in the right place. You are here to serve and if you are serving, you are not the one who determines which direction you go with the mission. 'I'm here and I will go where they send me to go and preach the gospel and it's not me, it is the appointer who will take a decision.' Ncikazi hails 'great human being' Maela The game against Magesi was also captain Innocent Maela's final game as a player as he will hang his boots and join the club in a different non-playing capacity. Ncikazi was full of praise for the former Pirates skipper. describing him as a 'great human being' He was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but they said, 'He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen',' said Ncikazi. Pirates release Timm Meanwhile, Pirates confirmed on Thursday that they have parted ways with Miguel Timm. The club decided against renewing the midfielder's contract, which was set to expire at the end of June. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Nabi to stay – 'for now' After being an intergral part of the Pirates squad, Timm found game to come by last season. The 33-year-old made just three appearances in all competitions for Pirates last season. 'Thank you, Miguel Timm for every tackle, every pass, and every battle fought,' read a post on the Pirates official account.
7 days ago
- Sport
WATCH: Tau, Masilela amongst the fans to pay tribute to Orlando Pirates captain
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela bid farewell to the fans after playing his final match for the club. The 32-year-old left-back played 67 minutes during the Buccaneers' disappointing 1-1 draw with Magesi at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. After the match, Pirates fans paid tribute to Maela, who dedicated eight years of service to the club. Among the spectators were Kaizer Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela and Bafana Bafana winger Percy Tau, who came to support the defender in his last game for the Sea Robbers. Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi also honoured his captain during the post-match press conference. 'He's a product of this institution. I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but was told, 'He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen,' said Ncikazi. 'A great human being; sometimes we look at players and we forget they are members of society, it becomes very good when you have a good human being and a good player, and it's such people who continue being a leader even if you are not on the field of play.' Ncikazi confirmed that Maela would be taking another direction in his career. 'He's highly intelligent and I'm sure he's highly educated at home and in the institutions of learning – it's a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to proceed. 'He's that type where it's not the end now, he's just taking another step and direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning.' With Maela gone, Tapelo Xoki will take over as Orlando Pirates. The tall centre-back has captained the Buccaneers for two seasons in the absence of Maela. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mandla Ncikazi optimistic: Orlando Pirates set for improvement next season after Magesi draw
MORE TO COME Mandla Ncikazi remained optimistic about Orlando Pirates' improvement next season after their 1-1 draw with Magesi FC, despite his likely return to an assistant role. Picture: BackpagePix 'Orlando Pirates will be a better team next season,' said Ncikazi after the match. Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring in the seventh minute, only for his strike to be cancelled out by Edmore Chirambadare just after the half-hour mark. In something of an anti-climax as Mamelodi Sundowns had clinched the league title almost two weeks prior, Pirates still had to play their last match a few days after the 'final weekend' of league action. Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi insisted his charges would be a better team next season, following their 1-1 draw with Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening to conclude their Betway Premiership campaign. Ncikazi's Leadership Journey at Orlando Pirates: Reflecting on Challenges and Future Growth 'Pirates will improve – I trust the wisdom that is in that office of ours," he added. Ncikazi took charge of Pirates after former coach José Riveiro was allowed to leave his post early, with his last match in charge being the 3-0 league win over Golden Arrows on May 13. Since then, Ncikazi has led Pirates to three draws and a loss. 'We will have to take stock, we will have to compile our reports, where did we get it wrong, can we improve. "We can be better, where do we have to reinforce where we think we were doing well and after that I'm sure solutions will come out and we will be a better team next season.' Though it seems that Ncikazi will not continue as head coach as an assistant role is more likely, the 56-year-old was committed to catch Sundowns who have now won the last eight league titles in a row. 'I'm a smaller puzzle in a bigger picture, and how I'm wired, this has nothing to do with me, it's a mission. When you are at Pirates, you are sent. You must fulfil the mission. But growth in the club depends on how you look at it. I look at the positive side of life.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ncikazi aims for strong send-off as Orlando Pirates host resurgent Magesi in season finale
Rising star Simphiwe Selepe celebrated his first goal for Orlando Pirates this past weekend after earning a fourth consecutive start, showcasing his growing influence in the midfield. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The curtain is set to fall on Mandla Ncikazi's brief but impactful tenure as interim coach of Orlando Pirates, as the team prepare to face Magesi in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm). Since taking charge following the departure of José Riveiro, Ncikazi has maintained an impressive unbeaten record in three matches. The team's form suggests they could end their league campaign on a high with another win. Ncikazi will be fully aware of the threat posed by Magesi, who, under seasoned mentor Owen da Gama, have shown significant improvement during the second half of the Premiership season. For much of the campaign, Magesi were embroiled in a relegation battle, but a strong run — suffering just one defeat in their last five outings — has ensured their safety. The Limpopo-based outfit managed only one win in their first nine matches and found themselves rooted to the foot of the table at the start of January, when Da Gama was appointed as Clinton Larsen's successor. At that stage, relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship seemed inevitable. However, Da Gama orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, winning seven of his first 19 games in charge to secure the club's top-flight status. Magesi could still finish as high as ninth, provided they pull off another upset in Soweto — the same ground where they defeated Pirates 3-2 in the Carling Knockout. To reach the Top 8, however, they would need to win by at least five goals. Pirates are currently in the process of appointing a new head coach, and Ncikazi's future at the club remains uncertain. He has acknowledged that the incoming coach may choose to bring in a new technical team. Nevertheless, Ncikazi has affirmed his commitment to the Soweto giants for as long as he is wanted. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media "I'm just proud of the contribution that I'm making at the club and being appreciated by the club. And as long as it's still like that, I'll always be the servant of this club until I'm told otherwise," said Ncikazi. "I'm a smaller puzzle in a bigger picture, and how I'm wired, this has nothing to do with me — it's a mission. When you are at Pirates, you are sent. You must fulfil the mission." With second place already secured, Ncikazi may be tempted to give more game time to the club's younger players against Magesi. He handed Simphiwe Selepe his fourth consecutive start against AmaZulu at the weekend, and the midfielder repaid the coach's faith by scoring the equaliser — his first goal for the club. Selepe is the latest exciting prospect at Mayfair, seemingly set to follow in the footsteps of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota. For Magesi, Mcedi Vandala has proved to be an astute January signing from Sekhukhune United. The 30-year-old winger has contributed four goals and two assists since joining the club and showcased his composure by converting a penalty against Gallants — his third successful spot-kick.
