Mandla Ncikazi hits out at TS Galaxy for using dirty plan against Relebohile Mofokeng after Orlando Pirates slip-up - 'They were not playing the game but more robust tactics to deal with such a good player'

Orlando Pirates surrendered their slim lead to allow TS Galaxy to come back from behind and force a 1-1 draw in a Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

It was a match that saw a number of incidents where Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng was fouled, and his coach, Mandla Ncikazi was not happy.

The frustrated 20-year-old was eventually booked on 90 minutes as he looked disturbed by the close contact he was getting from TS Galaxy players.

“I thought it was a plan of the opponents when you have the ball players we have in our team, you could see the target was Mofokeng, that’s the one bad part for me, they're not playing the game but more robust tactics to deal with such a good player,” Ncikazi said on SuperSport TV.

“He’s such a good player, Mofokeng, but it’s okay, we have learnt, we move forward, the young players have learnt, it should continue as we grow this team, I think we’re the youngest team in the PSL, so we go on again.

“It’s the process of the club, the process left by the previous coach, the route we are taking. Like I said, I think we’re the youngest team in the PSL, players have experience in Caf, in the derby, young players. The future is bright for this club.”

Saturday's result might have worked against Ncikazi on his chances of being appointed the substantive Pirates coach who will replace Jose Riveiro.

This is a coach who has inherited a squad left by the Spaniard and worked closely with Riveiro to understand the needs of his team.

It remains to be seen if he will be retained in the new technical team set up.

Pirates are left with three PSL games before they conclude their season and those are chances for Ncikazi to show his worth.

They visit SuperSport United and AmaZulu before wrapping up the campaign by hosting Magesi FC.