Soweto Derby Revelation: Ncikazi’s Role at Pirates Confirmed?

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.