Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi on Betway Premiership break and return: The break was good for our us as it helped us in all aspects

You would expect the Orlando Pirates coaching staff to begrudge the Africa Cup of Nations recess.

You would expect them to feel hard done by this break given that Pirates went into the festive and Afcon recess on a high.

They would say the break is likely to kill their momentum in the PSL.

Ahead of the break, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men won the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout trophies and they are also on top of the Betway Premiership standings.

For a long while in the local game, Pirates look like a side to give Mamelodi Sundowns a run for their money this season.

Ouaddou’s assistant Mandla Ncikazi sounded a pleased man and welcomed the break.

“It’s an important phase for our team,” said Ncikazi on Pirates TV.

“Especially with the players coming from injuries, players coming from the International break.

“Re-align our team, try and re-strategize and be stronger for the next season. So highly important for us, good phase.”

Pirates face Sekhukhune United this weekend in their first game of 2026.