Ncikazi raises hand for Pirates job as Timm leaves

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi says he is ready to lead the club next season should the club ask him to do it.

Ncikazi served as an assistant coach under Jose Riveiro for three seasons. The Buccaneers appointed him as the interim coach when the Spaniard left before the end of the season.

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Ncikazi was unbeaten in his four games in charge, registering one win and three draws in the process. His last game in charge was against Magesi at home where they had to come back from behind to draw 1-1 at the Orlando Stadium.  

“I’ve learnt too much in this club. You don’t only learn as a coach, you also learn as a human being, they teach you to be a better man and a better human being. And it augurs well for me because I’m not the type who is looking for opportunities,” said Ncikazi during a post-match press conference in Soweto.

“When I got into this club, I became a servant. I want to serve this club. Remember, when you are appointed here, you must put your aspiration in the right place. You are here to serve and if you are serving, you are not the one who determines which direction you go with the mission.

“I’m here and I will go where they send me to go and preach the gospel and it’s not me, it is the appointer who will take a decision.”

Ncikazi hails ‘great human being’ Maela

The game against Magesi was also captain Innocent Maela’s final game as a  player as he will hang his boots and join the club in a different non-playing capacity.

Ncikazi was full of praise for the former Pirates skipper. describing him as a “great human being”  

He was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but they said, ‘He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen’,” said Ncikazi.

Pirates release Timm

Meanwhile, Pirates confirmed on Thursday that they have parted ways with Miguel Timm. The club decided against renewing the midfielder’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of June.

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After being an intergral part of the Pirates squad, Timm found game to come by last season. The 33-year-old made just three appearances in all competitions for Pirates last season.

“Thank you, Miguel Timm for every tackle, every pass, and every battle fought,” read a post on the Pirates official  account.