Ncikazi calls for consistency after Mabasa doubles up
'The teams who win, and win championships, they all have consistent line-ups,' said the Pirates co-head coach.
Yagan Sasman of Swallows FC challenged by Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 football match between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 11 September 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Tshegofatso Mabasa’s two goals in two games have earned him praise from coach Mandla Ncikazi, who is eager have a consistent line-up at the club.
This is after the Soweto giants beat Chippa United 3-1 in a DStv Premiership clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, having edged Swallow FC 1-0 prior to the Chilli Boys game.
With the Buccaneers dealing with a lot of injuries to their most influential players, which has seen a lot of rotation in the squad, Ncikazi wants to have consistent line-up at Bucs – especially with the likes of Mabasa, who also comes back from a long term injury.
“The teams who win, and win championships, they all have consistent line-ups. If it’s possible and there are no injuries, we would love to keep the same team. Without jumping the gun, I think Tshegofatso Mabasa should start in the next match,” said Ncikazi.
“Without disclosing much, we must be consistent, but sometimes injuries force us into situations we don’t want to be in. Pirates have been unlucky lately with a lot of injuries but I am happy for Mabasa to play two games with two goals.”
In his analysis of the match, Ncikazi says the Pirates players did exactly what they have been doing at training and added that there is unity in the squad.
“The match was a mirror of our training. What I saw today, and the fighting spirit I saw in training, we did prophecise this result if this team is this united and is prepared to work this hard,” the former Golden Arrows coach added.
“Today I think luck was on our side because the team worked for it.”
After four games in the league, the Buccaneers are now on eight points and occupy fourth place on the league standings.
The Bucs camp is surely in high spirits with two consecutive victories, which will certainly help them going into their next fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
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