October 21, 19:00IOL

Mandla Nchikazi's future at Orlando Pirates uncertain after alleged conflict with Abdelsalam Waddu

The future of Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Nchikazi has become uncertain following reports of a conflict with head coach Abdelsalam Waddu in recent weeks.

This information surfaced amid news that Nchikazi, who recovered from a knee injury that required him to be on medical leave at the start of the season, could not return to the club and the bench due to disagreements with Waddu.

Although details of the alleged rift remain undisclosed, IOL Sport reliably reports that Waddu threatened to leave the club if Nchikazi returned to his position.

This news shocked the South African football community, as it previously seemed that Nchikazi and Waddu maintained a strong partnership, bringing complementary qualities to the team. While Waddu employed a strict approach to players, Nchikazi acted as a mediator, ensuring calm and harmony.

Both relied on each other's strengths. Nchikazi spent his entire career in South African football and worked at Pirates for many years, making his experience invaluable to Waddu, who has been in the PSL for less than two full seasons and at Pirates for almost a year and a half.

Their close relationship was demonstrated after the MTN8 semi-final victory in the second match against Mamelodi Sundowns, where Waddu was seen kissing Nchikazi on the forehead.

Waddu previously commented on this gesture, stating: 'Football and sport reflect the society we come from. One thing I learned from the coach is that before being a coach, he is a wonderful person. He understands that he is an African. He respects the African people.'

He also noted: 'There is his statement that he will use the expertise he finds in the club. Very few coaches do that. We don't trust each other—we are always afraid of being betrayed. Only a confident and good person can do that. This gesture showed that in whatever we do together, he values the recognition of the people around him.'

Together, they led the club to outstanding success last season, winning a record fourth MTN8 title, their first league championship in 14 years, and the first Carling Knockout trophy since its rebranding four seasons ago.

However, during Nchikazi's absence, Waddu worked with Ryan Jacobs. Although they managed to take the team to another MTN8 final, they were unable to defeat Sundowns.

The Buccaneers now aim to secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stage on Friday evening against African Stars at Orlando Stadium, holding a 1-0 advantage after the first match. It remains unclear whether Nchikazi will resume his duties.

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iol.co.zaOctober 12, 14:00

Orlando Pirates Coach Abdelslam Wadee calls on team to improve physical fitness ahead of CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates head coach, Abdelslam Wadee, addressed his players with a call to develop physical endurance while maintaining adherence to the rules of the game. He warned the young squad that they need to quickly adapt to the high physical demands of matches, as the 'Bucaneers' prepare for the challenges that football in the CAF Champions League will bring.

These statements came after Pirates' 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. This loss denied the team its historic fifth consecutive title. This outcome raised questions about Pirates' ability to cope with the intensity and physical aspect of decisive encounters, and continental football requirements will be another test for the Soweto giants.

Similar remarks were made after last season's Soweto Derby match, which ended in a 1-1 draw and nearly derailed their race in the Betway Premiership.

Wadee admitted that his players must learn to react better in more physical games, but he stressed that aggressive competition should never come at the expense of fair play. He stated: 'We just need to answer these physical games. It might happen in the Champions League, and as I said, we have a young team, but they must understand this quickly.'

The Moroccan coach quickly clarified that he is not calling for dangerous tackles or tactics that put opponents at risk. Instead, he wants his players to become more competitive within established rules. He added: 'When I say answer these games, I mean answering within the rules of the game and playing football, not injuring players or breaking their legs; that is not my vision of football.'

Wadee used his own playing experience to distinguish between physical defense and reckless aggression. He recounted: 'I was a defender, and in my 17 years in football, I received one red card, and it was for protesting, not for violence.'

For Pirates, the current task is to translate this message into results when pressure mounts. Although the 'Bucaneers' are known for their attacking style, continental competition may require a different level of physical resilience, discipline, and game management. The defeat to Sundowns on Saturday was another lesson for the coach and his team. Their reaction in the coming weeks will determine how quickly they can turn these lessons into progress on the continental stage.

iol.co.zaOctober 8, 19:15

Pirates' coach warns that MTN8 victory history will not help against Sundowns

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Waddu warned that the team's past successes in the MTN8 tournament might provide a psychological advantage ahead of Saturday's match against Mamelodi Sundowns. Nevertheless, he emphasized that historical achievements will have minimal significance when the teams meet in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 'Pirates' aim to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title, but Waddu understands that overcoming Sundowns will require more than impressive statistics in this competition.

Past experience versus final reality

During the MTN8 media day on Wednesday at Rand Stadium, Waddu told journalists: 'This is a different game, a different era. We need to prepare for it with greater ambition and seriousness. These things (referring to victories in the last four MTN8 editions) can help morally, but the reality will be in the match itself and how we approach the game.'

Although the 'Bucaneers' have established themselves as a dominant force in the MTN8 in recent seasons, Waddu believes that the cup final demands a different mentality than a league match.

He added: 'I think it can help us psychologically, but ultimately it is two 11-a-side teams, so fighting spirit is needed. Winning the cup final requires more than tactics... sometimes you need to dig deeper and play with a strong heart. There is a huge difference between a cup match and a league match.'

The 'Pirates' prepared for the final with a limited squad, as 12 players were away on international duty during the FIFA break. The players only returned to the club in the final stages of preparation for Saturday's final, leaving Waddu little time to work with the full squad.

Sundowns' motivation

For their part, Sundowns enter the final confidently after their recent victory in the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup, which they secured over Al Ahli Saudi Arabia. The Brazilians are also determined to end the Pirates' dominance in the tournament, as they last won the MTN8 in 2021.

The final will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 18:00, and tickets for it are sold out.