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.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

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.