“I’m just happy for the young boys that are getting the opportunity,” said Ncikazi.
Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi is delighted with how the young players are adapting in the first team.
With first choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine absent due to an injury, Ncikazi gave Siyabonga Dladla his debut in goals during the Betway Premiership victory over SuperSport United on Tuesday.
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The young goalkeeper rewarded him with a clean sheet in the Buccaneers 1-0 win over Matsatsantsa a Pitori at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Mohau Nkota scored the only goal of the match in the second half.
“These human beings are amazing, I have no complains. They dig in every day; they are there every day no complains and one can only be proud that this group of players are willing to put their names in the history of the club. I’m just happy for the young boys that are getting the opportunity,” Ncikazi told SuperSport TV after the game.
Ncikazi reserved a special praise for birthday boy Dladla, who celebrated his 24th birthday by keeping a clean sheet on his Pirates debut.
“I thought Siya, you couldn’t tell that it was a young boy in the sticks. Proud for the history of this club.
“It’s amazing. Yesterday [Monday], we didn’t know it was his birthday, maybe on my side, and for us to make it a selection, it was not planned, it just happened. Happy birthday to him with three points,” added Ncikazi.
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Pirates, who are currently second on the Betway Premiership standings behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, will next face AmaZulu away at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
They will then host Magesi at home at the Orlando Stadium next week Wednesday in their last league game of the 2024/25 season.
