Orlando Pirates coach makes return after injury lay-off

Orlando Pirates are poised to welcome assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi back to the dugout following the current FIFA international break, providing a timely boost ahead of their high-stakes cup commitments.

The former Bafana Bafana assistant has missed several crucial fixtures over the past few weeks while recovering from a knee procedure carried out during pre-season.

The surgery left Ncikazi relying on crutches throughout his initial rehabilitation, prompting the Buccaneers to grant him compassionate leave to continue his recovery and receive specialised care in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Why Ncikazi has been out of the dugout

Pirates officially addressed the tactician’s absence in a statement issued on August 25:

“Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi will also be absent from the bench tonight. Having undergone [an] emergency knee surgery during pre-season, Coach Ncikazi has continued to experience discomfort following the procedure.”

The international window has afforded Ncikazi crucial extra time to regain full mobility.

Pirates assistant to return for cup final 

Insiders who spoke to Soccer Laduma indicate that, provided his rehabilitation stays on track, he is expected to resume his duties and rejoin head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou on the touchline when Pirates lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on October 10.

During Ncikazi’s time away from the camp, second assistant Rayaan Jacobs and renowned development mentor Mxolisi Mngomezulu have stepped up to provide technical support to Ouaddou on the bench.