Pirates assistant Ncikazi praises Ouaddou for team spirit and leadership

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the camaraderie in this season’s squad has been driven by the positive influence of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Despite the disappointment of being eliminated from this season’s CAF Champions League, the Buccaneers have already claimed the MTN8 title and are on the verge of winning their first Carling Knockout trophy since the 2011/12 season, with Marumo Gallants awaiting in the final.

Their pursuit of a first league title this season has also begun strongly, as they currently sit in second place with two games in hand over first-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who lead by three points.

Coming into the 2025/26 campaign, hope at the club may have exceeded the reality faced by the Sea Robbers, as both the coach and the new players had to adjust to their new environment. However, thanks to the positive changes implemented by management, they have managed to surpass some of those expectations and managed to continue the momentum from last season.

Ncikazi, who enjoyed five trophy successes while working with Jose Riveiro over the past three seasons, expressed his satisfaction in working with the Moroccan tactician.

He has been particularly impressed with the humility and values Ouaddou has brought to the club, fostering a culture where players fight for one another and trust runs throughout the entire squad.

“Football and sport reflect the society that we come from,” Ncikazi said.m “What I have picked up from the coach is that first, before being a coach, he is a great human being; he understands that he is African, and he respects African people.

“He often says that he will use the expertise that he finds at the club, and very few coaches do that. We trust each other and aren't always scared to be stabbed from behind, and it’s only a confident human being that can do that.

“The results speak for themselves; this is a very spiritual team, and it’s a spiritual sport. The unification of the energies amongst us gives the results, and I hope it continues.”

In just his first season, Ouaddou has managed to lead the Buccaneers to their second domestic final in a row. With a large squad to manage, Ncikazi is pleased with how the team has reached its current position this season, even with the interruptions of the international breaks.

“I like how our team has adapted,” Ncikazi continued.

“We do not complain when preparing for such an important tournament when we have so many players away in the national team. It has not happened for sometime that one club has got so many players in the national team, and we appreciate and support that.

“We must keep on preparing, as if those players are not there. Our preparation has been so serious, as if we are playing the cup final tomorrow.

“We take training very seriously, and I am confident with the spirit amongst the players, and the unity and support from the management. I am confident that we can get good results and hopefully win the Carling Cup. We are not in control of results, but we have full control of performance,” he concluded.