Orlando Pirates walked away with the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Betway Premiership title, ending a 14-year wait for a league crown.
They wrapped up the league title with a strong run of results. They dropped points only in a handful of matches as they maintained consistency from start to finish. The Sea Robbers had three losses recorded across the entire campaign.
ORLANDO PIRATES FLAWLESS
The Soweto giants were the most dangerous attacking side in the league. They set the benchmark defensively, keeping opposition chances to a minimum throughout the campaign.
At the heart of that defensive solidity was Sipho Chaine, who enjoyed a standout season between the posts, regularly keeping clean sheets and playing a key role in the team’s consistency at the back.
Beyond, Ncikazi says the season was defined by adversity, setbacks and resilience behind the scenes.
MANDLA NCIKAZI SPEAKS
Speaking on #MSWOn947, Ncikazi reflected on how the team managed to stay competitive despite losing players, injuries and off-field challenges that could have derailed the campaign.
“It’s always good when you hear football loving people going across supporting lines,” said Ncikazi, as quoted by iDiski Times’ Lethabo Kganyago. “For me it’s belief that has been restored in the country, in the South African football.
“And maybe what makes me more proud is the fact that we did not only win trophies, but the way we did that with young players. I think we had the third youngest squad in the country.
He highlighted how Orlando Pirates consistently gave opportunities to younger players while still maintaining results at the highest level. He believes it made the season more meaningful than the trophies alone.
The assistant coach also pointed to a long list of disruptions the team had to absorb during the campaign.
“Opportunities for young players and a lot that happened, players that were lost in the beginning of the season, the central defence, the accident, the injury to Sihle [Nduli], the injury to [Tapelo] Xoki.
“You lose a goalkeeper coach, the coach is injured, [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi gets a transfer,” Ncikazi said.
Despite all of that, Orlando Pirates remained defensively solid. They finished with the best defensive record in the league and continuing to dominate matches even when personnel changed.
“For me it was how it was done more than just trophies on their own,” he concluded.
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