Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has commented on their treble-winning season and the things the club had to endure and overcome.
Ncikazi’s reflections come as Pirates completed a domestic treble that include the MTN8 trophy, Carling Knockout Cup and Betway Premiership title. This is their first league title and treble in 14 years.
They won the league with 69 points, the most they have accumulated in a single campaign, won 21 matches, drew six and lost three while scoring 58 goals, the most by any side this past season and conceding 12. Their goalkeeper Sipho Chaine also set a new record of 21 clean sheets by any goalkeeper in a season.
Speaking on #MSWOn947, Ncikazi reflected on the players they lost to injury and transfers, the accident the team was involved in earlier in the season that came with major injuries to key members of the squad and technical team.
The coach was also proud that even some rival fans enjoyed how the Buccaneers played especially with young players.
“It’s always good when you hear football loving people going across supporting lines,” said Ncikazi.
“For me it’s belief that has been restored in the country, in the South African football. And maybe what makes me more proud is the fact that we did not only win trophies, but the way we did that with young players. I think we had the third youngest squad in the country.
“Opportunities for young players and a lot that happened, players that were lost in the beginning of the season, the central defence, the accident, the injury to Sihle [Ntuli], the injury to [Tapelo] Xoki. You lose a goalkeeper coach, the coach is injured, [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi gets a transfer.
“I know there was a lot of doubt but with us and still continuing to concede less goals than any other club. Sipho Chaine becoming the record holder of clean sheets but it’s when you have lost centre-backs mostly and defensive midfielder.
“For me it was how it was done more than just trophies on their own.”
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