Pirates legend Lekgwathi praises the unsung hero of Riveiro’s successful stint
Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has hailed the unsung hero who’s played a “crucial role” in Jose Riveiro’s success at the club.
The Spaniard was appointed as the Buccaneers head coach in 2022, tasked with rebuilding the team into a formidable force. Riveiro quickly made his mark, securing two trophies – the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup – in his debut season with the Soweto giants.
His tenure has seen him lift a total of five trophies – three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. With two months remaining in the current season, he still has the chance to add to his tally with the Nedbank Cup, Betway Premiership, and the CAF Champions League.
Lekgwathi has lauded assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi for his instrumental role as the right-hand man to the Spanish coach since the 2022/23 season.
The former Pirates captain believes that Ncikazi’s deep understanding of the club, its players, and the South African football landscape has been crucial in aiding Riveiro’s adaptation and providing him with insightful guidance.
LEKGWATHI ON NCIKAZI – ‘HE’S PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE’
“A role of Mandla [Ncikazi] being local, knowing local style and knowing Orlando Pirates, he played a very crucial role [in Riveiro’s success],” Lekgwathi told FARPost.
“Even the coach, with a lot of things, he was helped by Mandla because he knows players better.
“Remember Ruud Krol [ex-Pirates coach] he didn’t know some of the players but Ian Palmer [Krol’s local assistant coach] knew us. Like myself, I remember when Krol came, I was injured, and after that, I didn’t play.
”And there was a time when the team was travelling and he said to me, ‘You are not travelling’, I was so surprised. They came back, we played a friendly, he substituted the whole team, and left me on the pitch. Why? Because Palmer had told him that this guy is a leader.
“Afterwards, they gave me the armband. Who told him [Krol]? It’s Ian Palmer.
“That’s why I’m saying even Mandla played a crucial role in Riveiro’s stint; he knows South African football and Orlando Pirates.”
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