The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters.
Orlando Pirates have won the treble, ending a 14-year wait for a league crown. The Buccaneers dominated the league with 69 points, winning 21 matches and scoring 58 goals.
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi reflects on how the team managed to stay competitive despite losing players, injuries and off-field challenges that could have derailed the campaign.
‘It’s always good when you hear football loving people going across supporting lines,’ said Ncikazi. ‘For me it’s belief that has been restored in the country, in the South African football.‘
What made this season particularly remarkable for Orlando Pirates is the way they consistently gave opportunities to younger players while still maintaining results at the highest level.
‘I think we had the third youngest squad in the country,‘ Ncikazi highlighted.
The team faced a long list of disruptions during the campaign, including losing a goalkeeper coach, the coach being injured, and several players suffering from injuries.
Yet, they remained defensively solid, finishing with the best defensive record in the league.
‘For me it was how it was done more than just trophies on their own,’ Ncikazi concluded.
‘It’s not just about winning trophies, it’s about the process, it’s about how we did it,‘ said Ncikazi.
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has been with the team since 2019.
He joined the team after being appointed as an assistant coach by the then-head coach, Josef Zinnbauer.
Ncikazi has a wealth of experience in South African football, having previously worked with Platinum Stars and Golden Arrows.
The team’s ability to adapt and overcome setbacks is a testament to Ncikazi’s leadership and the players’ resilience.
‘We didn’t just win the league, we won it with young players,‘ said Ncikazi.
This season’s success has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with many praising Orlando Pirates for their determination and teamwork.
‘The fact that we were able to win the league with a young squad is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and the coaching staff,‘ said Ncikazi.