Ncikazi: Maswanganyi Is Emotional, But No Major Issues with Ouaddou

Ncikazi: Maswanganyi Is Emotional, But No Major Issues with Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has admitted that midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi is an emotional person, but insists there are no major problems between him and head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Ncikazi made these remarks in Part 1 of the BucsCamp episode aired on Pirates TV, which showed the halftime altercation between the player and the coach.

The episode was filmed during the halftime break of a Betway Premiership match against Marumo Gallants in February. Maswanganyi, known as Tito, had scored one of the team's two first-half goals but missed a chance to add a third—something the Moroccan coach interpreted as complacency.

Footage showed Ouaddou being held back as he appeared to move toward Maswanganyi during the confrontation.

In the same episode, Ncikazi revealed that he himself has had explosive moments with Tito and is still learning how to manage him. He also raised the importance of understanding players' backgrounds, as well as the coach's expectations.

“Tito is emotional,” Ncikazi said on Pirates TV. “I am also learning how to deal with Tito. I’ve had explosive moments with him. I’ve put my hand around his shoulder. I’ve offered to visit his home, to meet him and his parents in trying to understand him.

“There’s one thing we miss: football is a reflection of the society we come from. Players from Tembisa will show you a Tembisa mentality. Players from the farm, from Venda—whether you’re talking about a Bilankulu or a Trevor Lamola—all players from that area, from the highveld, have high levels of endurance.

“Once you start understanding those dynamics, that’s how we reflect. Tito jumps on top of the ball—if you don’t allow him to do that, frustration sets in. So understanding showboating versus someone like Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng], who’s more creative, and we allow him to do that, is another topic: how much is too much, how much is too little.

“So sometimes it’s simply a difference of expectations. The coach has his expectations. Tito wants to do it his way because he knows it works for him. For me, it’s just about understanding your players, and your players understanding the coach’s approach and personality.

“For me, that’s all it is—no big issues. I’ve had explosive moments with many players, but it’s just from father to son, and son to father.”