Orlando Pirates’ interim coach, Mandla Ncikazi, shared his thoughts on the debut performance of goalkeeper Siyabonga ‘Ederson’ Dladla.
Dladla was promoted to the first team before the start of the 2024/25 season, following his impressive displays for the Buccaneers’ DStv Diski Challenge side.
The promising shot-stopper made his first appearance for the Soweto giants in their Betway Premiership encounter against SuperSport United on Tuesday night at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The match between Matsatsantsa and the Sea Robbers ended in a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Pirates. Mohau Nkota’s solo goal was enough to earn Bucs maximum points away from home.
The 24-year-old Dladla delivered an outstanding performance against the side coached by Andre Arendse. He achieved an impressive 83% passing accuracy, made three saves, including two crucial ones inside the box, recorded seven recoveries, and kept a clean sheet.
As a result, he helped Pirates cement their second position on the log standings as they have accumulated 59 points from 26 outings. Dladla has been the club’s third-choice goalkeeper throughout the season. Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi played most [50] of the games combined.
WHAT MANDLA NCIKAZI SAID ABOUT SIYABONGA DLADLA’S PIRATES DEBUT
Ncikazi was pleased with Dladla’s performance on his debut for Pirates and happy with how the player has adapted in the senior team.
“I’m happy for the young players who were given the opportunity. Another one today [Tuesday] was ‘Siya’ [Siyabonga Dladla], the goalkeeper. I believe he had a good performance. It’s amazing how these youngsters are adapting to the first team,” said Ncikazi.
“The credit should be given to the process of the club and our junior coaches. Also, the senior coach [Jose Riveiro] who has just left.
“So, it’s just a long process and the contribution of a lot of people. There is still a group of them [players] who are waiting to get the opportunity. I hope we give them an opportunity, and they take it with both hands like the others have done.”
Pirates’ next league match will be against AmaZulu FC away from home on Saturday, 24 May. The clash is scheduled for 15:00 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
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