Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi insisted his charges would be a better team next season, following their 1-1 draw with Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening to conclude their Betway Premiership campaign.
In something of an anti-climax as Mamelodi Sundowns had clinched the league title almost two weeks prior, Pirates still had to play their last match a few days after the ‘final weekend’ of league action.
Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring in the seventh minute, only for his strike to be cancelled out by Edmore Chirambadare just after the half-hour mark.
“Orlando Pirates will be a better team next season,” said Ncikazi after the match.
Ncikazi’s Leadership Journey at Orlando Pirates: Reflecting on Challenges and Future Growth
“Pirates will improve – I trust the wisdom that is in that office of ours,” he added.
Ncikazi took charge of Pirates after former coach José Riveiro was allowed to leave his post early, with his last match in charge being the 3-0 league win over Golden Arrows on May 13.
Since then, Ncikazi has led Pirates to three draws and a loss.
“We will have to take stock, we will have to compile our reports, where did we get it wrong, can we improve.
“We can be better, where do we have to reinforce where we think we were doing well and after that I’m sure solutions will come out and we will be a better team next season.”
Though it seems that Ncikazi will not continue as head coach as an assistant role is more likely, the 56-year-old was committed to catch Sundowns who have now won the last eight league titles in a row.
“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. But growth in the club depends on how you look at it. I look at the positive side of life.”
@Michael_Sherman
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