Orlando Pirates are in the market for a new coach to replace Jose Riveiro, who has been heavily linked to Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly.
The Spaniard signed a three-year deal with the Buccaneers when he was appointed as the head tactician. He served the Sea Robbers diligently until his deal expired at the end of the 2024/25 edition. During Riveiro's tenure, Pirates won five trophies out of the possible six, considering the fact that the team played in six finals.
Currently, the Soweto giants are under assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who has been with the team since 2021.
He started his Bucs' career as Josef Zinnbauer's assistant coach before co-coaching with Fadlu Davids and eventually deputising Riveiro.
What is Ncikazi's take on coaching Bucs?
“Like I said, I’m wired differently; I’m working at Pirates; if I’m there, good enough. If I’m not there, and it’s decided, I’m still good enough,” he said as quoted by Ayanda Nyuswa.
“I’m just happy with the contribution that I’m making in the club and being] appreciated by the club. As long as it’s still like this, I will always be a servant of this club until told otherwise,” he concluded.
Pirates have finished second in the Premier Soccer League for the last three seasons in a row. Next season, they will be aiming, once again, to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won the last nine editions.
The Sea Robbers will be dining with the big boys in the Caf Champions League as well. In the almost ending edition, they reached the semi-final before falling to Pyramids, who are battling Sundowns for the trophy.
