Ncikazi slams TS Galaxy's 'robust' tactics targeting Rele Mofokeng in the Betway Premiership
- Martin T
- May 18
- 2 min read
Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi criticised TS Galaxy's physical approach, alleging they specifically targeted Relebohile Mofokeng during their 1-1 draw in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A revelation this season, the talented 20-year-old Mofokeng is in the running for Young Player of the Year and potentially Footballer of the Season.
However, the Bafana Bafana international's exceptional skills were met with rough challenges from TS Galaxy as the sides shared the spoils in Soweto – with the goals coming from Bandile Shandu and Mpho Mvelase.
He left the bench with a cut mouth and had been on the end of a headbutt, incidents that had clearly angered Ncikazi, who strongly condemned his treatment at the final whistle.
“I thought it was a plan of the opponents, when you have the ball, players we have in our team, you could see the target was Mofokeng, that’s the one bad part for me," said Ncikazi.
"They are not playing the game, but using more robust tactics to deal with such a good player. He’s such a good player, Mofokeng. But it’s okay, we have learnt, we move forward, the young players have learnt, it should continue as we grow this team. I think we’re the youngest team in the PSL. So we go on again.”
The Galaxy game was Nckazi's first in charge as interim coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro, who requested to be released early from his contract, originally due to expire at the end of June 2025. The Spaniard won five trophies in three seasons at Bucs with Ncikazi serving as assistant coach.
