“I thought it’s the plan of the opponents when you have ball-players like you have in our team you can see that the target was Mofokeng," said Ncikazi.
Relebohile Mofokeng during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, on Saturday. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates interim head coach Mandla Ncikazi has slammed TS Galaxy for the way they targeted Relebohile Mofokeng during their draw on Saturday.
This was after the Buccaneers were held to a 1-1 draw in a Betway Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium. Bandile Shandu’s opening goal for Pirates was cancelled by a late strike from substitute Mpho Mvelase.
READ MORE: Galaxy steal a point against Pirates in Orlando
Mofokeng was subjected to some bad tackles and was headbutted at one stage during the match and had a cut on his mouth.
Ncikazi feels that Galaxy’s game plan was to interrupt Pirates’ play by targeting Mofokeng.
“I thought it’s the plan of the opponents when you have ball-players like you have in our team you can see that the target was Mofokeng. The bad part for me is where the opponents are not playing the game, But they go for robust tactics to try and deal with such a good player Mofokeng,” said Ncikazi.
“But it’s ok we move forward, we have learnt, the young players have learnt. I hope it continues and then we grow our team. I think we’re the youngest team currently in the PSL so we go on again.”
Ncikazi rues miss chances in Galaxy draw
Ncikazi was left disappointed after the Buccaneers failed to hang on to their lead and take all three points from the game. But the Bucs interim coach refused to blame his young players for the lost two points.
“It’s disappointing at the end that we had to play a draw, last minute goal. But I’m thinking we paid the school fees of the continuity, giving the youngsters the opportunity. It’s not their fault, I thought we were in control, I thought we had enough chances to win the match,” said Ncikazi.
ALSO READ: Chiefs and Sekhukhune both left frustrated by a point apiece
“It is what it is, but I think there are so many lessons learned by way our golden opportunity today. It’s a loss in terms of the points, but I don’t think the experience the youngsters exposed too was a loss to them. It’s just a bitter pill to swallow because you thought it’s that minute of the game, but it is what it is,” concluded Ncikazi.
Pirates will next face SuperSport United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.
Download our app
