Pirates set for technical-team boost as Ncikazi nears return

Orlando Pirates are set to welcome back first assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi during the FIFA international break, with the 20-day gap between matches giving him time to complete his recovery from knee surgery.

Ncikazi has missed the past six games while recovering from an operation carried out during pre-season. The procedure has left him using crutches, and he has been recuperating at home in KwaZulu-Natal after Pirates agreed to give him time away from the club a month ago.

However, the break in the schedule is expected to allow the 20-year coaching veteran to return to the bench by the time Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on October 10. He is likely to take his place alongside head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Ncikazi’s last appearance on the bench came on August 25, when Pirates played Sekhukhune United. Since then, the Buccaneers have remained unbeaten, recording five wins and one draw during his absence.

The club’s technical set-up was further altered at the weekend when second assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs was also unavailable for unspecified reasons. Mxolisi Mngomezulu and Sfiso Bhengu therefore provided support to Ouaddou during the match against Marumo Gallants.

Mngomezulu, who holds a CAF A licence and works as a performance analyst, has regularly sat on the bench with Jacobs while Ncikazi has been away. He has taken on additional responsibilities in the technical area during that period.

Goalkeeping duties shared

Pirates have also divided their match-day goalkeeping responsibilities between Tyron Damons and Siyabonga Mpontshane this season.

Damons returned to the bench against Gallants after missing the previous three matches, including two CAF Champions League fixtures. In his absence, Mpontshane handled the match-day duties, as he did for most of last season after Damons was injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Helmi Gueldich has continued in his role as the club’s fitness and conditioning coach throughout the campaign.

The international break will provide Pirates with three weeks without a fixture, beginning after their meeting with Marumo Gallants and ending before their next match. That period is expected to give Ouaddou a fuller technical team as the club prepares for the MTN8 final against Sundowns.