Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has attributed his knowledge of South African football culture to his assistant Mandla Ncikazi after the Buccaneers made history by becoming the first PSL team to clinch three consecutive MTN8 titles.
Pirates were left shell shocked when Stellenbosch FC drew first blood as early as the 14th minute from a well-taken strike on the volley by Lehlohonolo Mojela before Monnapule Saleng leved matters shortly before the break.
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Pirates went into dominant control in the second period as substitutes Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng’s late strikes ensured that Riveiro’s charges left their hunting ground, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with another silverware.
The Spanish mentor heaped praise on Ncikazi on how he has helped him quickly understand South African football because of his experience.
“Mandla’s role like many others in the staff is important for an outsider like me. For a foreigner coach,” Riveiro told the media in his post match presser.
“I know the game is the same wherever you go. Football is football, but every country, every league have different particularities.
“South African football has own identity and that’s something as soon as and as quick as you learn about it for a foreigner coach the better for the team.
“So, people like Mandla, we are talking about one coach that’s been around for a long, long time in South African football playing, coaching.
“He knows the space very well, so it gives you the opportunity to learn quick about the place where you are to understand a little bit better – the people as human beings, the players, the opponents, many many things.
“He’s not only about football knowledge. Everyone around in the club, the coaching staff have something to put on the table to contribute.
“But for me as a foreigner coach, it’s very important to be surrounded by local people. People that can tell you and teach you abouth the culture because it’s my responsibility to get used to the players where I am. To adapt myself to the people I have around.
“Mandla is doing a good job in that sense as well. He’s been really respectful with me personally and with me as a coach. And every time trying to cooperate in order to do what we need.
“What’s important in the end, we all have the same objectives which is winning games.”
