Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi has made an admission about what led to the club’s downfall towards the end of the season.
The Buccaneers were seemingly competing strongly for Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League. They lost the league to Sundowns.
Meanwhile, in the Champions League, they were eliminated by Pyramids who’re in the final with the Brazilians.
Ncikazi admitted that there has been a greater reliance on youngsters, particularly the regulars Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He admitted this could have been one of the factors behind their failures.
He stated that the load must be eased on them next season in order to avoid setbacks.
NCIKAZI SAYS LOAD MUST BE EASED ON YOUNGSTERS
“Number of games maybe [load must be eased on them], but in terms of the experience, I don’t think so,” said Ncikazi as quoted by FARPost.
“If you play Nkota in Egypt, you play a Selene, giving him a start in the most difficult game. For me, I see the positive side that there’s a lot of experience gained.
“The team is growing, maybe the direction that our team is taking and how they do things, I think is the right one for the growth of football not only in our team but in the country.
“I think it’s massive in our club to be bold and allow this process to happen. And maybe other teams should follow where we do that.
“If you see a Nkota three months ago, Rele, Mbokazi, for me it’s a very bold decision from our club. I don’t see anything wrong.
“I trust our team in terms of the decision-making, it’s a process that is long. I’m sure that is a plan of what is going to happen next season.
“We never expected what was going to happen this past season but we’re still proud of the decisions taken.
“For us is just to follow the missions and try to fulfill all the goals and make the Buccaneers happy.”
