Orlando Pirates lifting the MTN 8 silverware for the third consecutive time. Image: Orlando Pirates shared via Facebook
(The Post News)- After the team’s most recent MTN8 victory, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro praised assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi for his contribution to the team’s success. After defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the championship match on Saturday, the Buccaneers successfully won their third consecutive MTN8 title, bringing their total number of trophies won since the Spaniard’s arrival to five.
While Riveiro is receiving praise for this accomplishment, the 49-year-old also highlighted the significant contribution made by Ncikazi, who joined the team in July 2021, initially serving as Josef Zinnbauer’s assistant.
“Like many other members of the staff, Mandla plays a crucial role for me as an outsider and as a new foreign coach. I know that football is a game that is played everywhere, but every nation and league has unique characteristics,” said Riveiro.
He further demonstrated that South African football has a distinct identity, and as a foreign coach, the more quickly you can become familiar with it, the better for both the squad and yourself.
The Spaniard coach said “So somebody like Mandla, we’re talking about one coach that’s been around for a long time in South African football, playing, coaching, he understands the space extremely well.
“As a result, it provides you with the chance to pick up knowledge about the area you’re in rapidly and have a deeper understanding of both the opponents and the people you’re playing football with on a personal and professional level”.
“It’s not only about football knowledge, everyone around the club and coaching staff have something on the table to contribute,” concluded the coach.
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