On Wednesday, the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs
took place, leaving some to question the role of Mandla Ncikazi at the
Buccaneers.
Due to the suspension of the Bucs’ head coach Jose Riveiro for the match,
many expected Ncikazi to lead the bench alongside fellow assistant coach
Sergio Almenara, due to his familiarity and experience with the fixture.
However, it was the other way around, and Almenara seemed to be calling
the shots and conducting media interviews before and after the match.
Almenara had been tasked with the same role in the previous match against
Maritzburg United, which was Riveiro’s first of his two-match suspension.
Despite some expecting Ncikazi to call the shots, after he and Fadlu
Davids led Bucs in both league fixtures against Amakhosi last season as
co-coaches, indications are that Ncikazi holds the position of second
assistant, as Pirates hinted in the club announcement when announcing
Riveiro in June last year.
“The newly appointed coach will be assisted by Sergio Almenara and Mandla
Ncikazi. Miguel Bellver Esteve as fitness trainer and Tyron Damons as
goalkeeper coach,” said the club in a statement at the time.
It appears that the Soweto Derby has confirmed Ncikazi’s role at Orlando
Pirates, as the second assistant coach.
