Ncikazi happy with Bucs’ new recruits, team set to announce new striker

Despite the injuries Orlando Pirates are facing, assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says the club has enough depth, though we must not be surprised if they bring in more players, or let go of some too.

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At the moment, Zakhele Lepasa, for one, has a long term injury, while the likes of Ben Motshwari, Thabang Monare and Thembinkosi Lorch to mention a few, have missed the team’s first two games of the new season due to injuries.

“We’ve got enough (players). If other teams were in the same position like Pirates, where they’ve got 10 injured players, I am sure they would (make a) request to the league to cancel their fixture,” Ncikazi told the media after his side had drawn 2-2 with Stellenbosch in their DStv Premiership opener.

“The side that we played…the way we played and the effort, the performance, for somebody who doesn’t know I don’t think you saw that there were players that were not there.”

Pirates have added five players into the team this season, with the latest recruit being midfielder Ntsako Mkhabela from Golden Arrows.

Meanwhile, the club is also expected to unveil Ghanaian striker Kwame Peprah, who is reported to have concluded a deal with the Buccaneers. Ncikazi added that he is happy with the way the management did the business in the transfer window.

“The wisdom of our management to bring the pool of players that we’ve had, they will surprise you. I don’t want to disclose much because I don’t have that permission. Don’t be surprised if it increases, don’t be surprised if it decreases,” he continued.

“But I am happy with what we have. I am happy with the wisdom of how they signed the players and let’s take it from here and move forward.”

The Soweto giants have already played two games into the new season, losing 2-1 to Swallows FC in the MTN8 and playing to a 2-2 draw against Stellenbosch FC.

Pirates will now lock horns with Limpopo based side Marumo Gallants in a league clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.