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Siyabonga Dladla, Orlando Pirates, May 2025Backpage
Michael Madyira

Mandla Ncikazi lauds Orlando Pirates youngsters Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Dladla & Simphiwe Selepe for frustrating desperate & experienced SuperSport United side - 'These human beings are amazing'

In recent seasons, the Buccaneers have carved themselves a reputation of producing quality players who turn themselves in the team's key figures.

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  • Pirates fielded a number of youngsters vs SSU
  • They then bat Matsatsantsa
  • Ncikazi hails his youngsters
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  • Mohau Nkota, Orlando Pirates, Lebohang Maboe, SuperSport United, May 2025Backpage

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Orlando Pirates beat SuperSport United 1-0 in a Premier Soccer League match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

    Mohau Nkota scored the only goal of the match, which also saw caretaker coach Mandla Ncikazi starting youngsters like goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Simphiwe Selepe.

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  • Mandla Ncikazi, Orlando Pirates, January 2025Backpagepix

    WHAT NCIKAZI SAID

    “These human beings are amazing, no complaints," Ncikazi told SuperSport TV.

    "They dig in every day; they are there every day no complaints and one can only be proud that this group of players are willing to put their names in the history of the club and I’m just happy for the young boys that are getting the opportunity.

    “They are using it correctly, another one today – the goalkeeper. I thought Siya [Dladla] you couldn’t tell that it was a young boy in the sticks. Proud for the history of this club."

  • Siyabonga Dladla, Orlando Pirates, 2022Asidlali/DStv Diski Challenge

    AND WHAT MORE

    It was an evening to cherish for Dladla, who was not only making his PSL Premiership debut but was also celebrating his 24th birthday.

    “Hey, pre-destination, it’s amazing," Ncikazi added.

    "Yesterday, 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."

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  • Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohamed Chibi, Orlando Pirates vs PyramidsBackpage

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    What could impress Ncikazi and Pirates fans is that the youngsters thrown into the fray held their own against a SuperSport side desperate to avoid relegation.

    Also, this was a Matsatsanta outfit that had seasoned players like Thulani Hlatshwayo, Nyiko Mobbie, Lebohang Maboe, as well as the trio of Bradley Grobler, Samir Nurkovic and Vincent Pule who came on as substitutes.

    That was just like how Relebohile Mofokeng and Nkota were outstanding in the more demanding Caf Champions League.

  • Mandla Ncikazi and Mohau Nkota, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    WHAT NEXT FOR PIRATES?

    The incoming Pirates coach, who will replace Riveiro, would have to maintain this trend of getting the best out of players coming through the club's development structures.

    In their remaining PSL games against AmaZulu and Magesi FC, which are much dead rubbers for the Buccaneers, the youngsters are expected to be given more chances.

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