The curtain is set to fall on Mandla Ncikazi’s brief but impactful tenure as interim coach of Orlando Pirates, as the team prepare to face Magesi in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).
Since taking charge following the departure of José Riveiro, Ncikazi has maintained an impressive unbeaten record in three matches. The team’s form suggests they could end their league campaign on a high with another win.
Ncikazi will be fully aware of the threat posed by Magesi, who, under seasoned mentor Owen da Gama, have shown significant improvement during the second half of the Premiership season. For much of the campaign, Magesi were embroiled in a relegation battle, but a strong run — suffering just one defeat in their last five outings — has ensured their safety.
The Limpopo-based outfit managed only one win in their first nine matches and found themselves rooted to the foot of the table at the start of January, when Da Gama was appointed as Clinton Larsen’s successor. At that stage, relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship seemed inevitable.
However, Da Gama orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, winning seven of his first 19 games in charge to secure the club’s top-flight status. Magesi could still finish as high as ninth, provided they pull off another upset in Soweto — the same ground where they defeated Pirates 3-2 in the Carling Knockout.
To reach the Top 8, however, they would need to win by at least five goals.
Pirates are currently in the process of appointing a new head coach, and Ncikazi’s future at the club remains uncertain. He has acknowledged that the incoming coach may choose to bring in a new technical team. Nevertheless, Ncikazi has affirmed his commitment to the Soweto giants for as long as he is wanted.
“I’m just proud of the contribution that I’m making at the club and being appreciated by the club. And as long as it’s still like that, I’ll always be the servant of this club until I’m told otherwise,” said Ncikazi.
“I’m a smaller puzzle in a bigger picture, and how I’m wired, this has nothing to do with me — it’s a mission. When you are at Pirates, you are sent. You must fulfil the mission.”
With second place already secured, Ncikazi may be tempted to give more game time to the club’s younger players against Magesi.
He handed Simphiwe Selepe his fourth consecutive start against AmaZulu at the weekend, and the midfielder repaid the coach’s faith by scoring the equaliser — his first goal for the club. Selepe is the latest exciting prospect at Mayfair, seemingly set to follow in the footsteps of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.
For Magesi, Mcedi Vandala has proved to be an astute January signing from Sekhukhune United. The 30-year-old winger has contributed four goals and two assists since joining the club and showcased his composure by converting a penalty against Gallants — his third successful spot-kick.
