Ncikazi aims for strong send-off as Bucs close their season

THE curtain is set to fall on Mandla Ncikazi’s brief but impactful tenure as interim coach of Orlando Pirates, as the team prepare to face Magesi in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).

- HERMAN GIBBS

Since taking charge following the departure of José Riveiro, Ncikazi has maintained an impressive unbeaten record in three matches.

The team’s form suggests they could end their league campaign on a high with another win.

Ncikazi will be fully aware of the threat posed by Magesi, who, under seasoned mentor Owen da Gama, have shown significant improvement during the second half of the Premiership season. For much of the campaign, Magesi were embroiled in a relegation battle, but a strong run - suffering just one defeat in their last five outings - has ensured their safety.

The Limpopo-based outfit managed only one win in their first nine matches and found themselves rooted to the foot of the table at the start of January, when Da Gama was appointed as Clinton Larsen’s successor.