Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has opened up on Jose Riveiro’s pursuit of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi during his short tenure at the Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly SC.

The man affectionately known as Spanish Guitar in South Africa oversaw the buccaneers trophy success from July 2022 to May 2025. Winning five trophies in his stay in Mayfair, even reaching the continental Semi-finals, where he was knocked out by Pyramids FC, who went on to claim Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

After his successful tenure at Orlando Pirates, Riveiro went on to join the club of the Century on a tree-year deal which came short after he was sacked after a series of poor results, masterminding just 1 Victory out of seven games in charge of the Egyptian giants.

During June this year, rumours surfaced that GOAL LINE Magazine reported on Al Ahly’s interest in Mbokazi before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup hosted by the United States.

“There’s a good thing that can’t be claimed by one person in our club, there’s a scouting department that’s doing a good job,” Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi said at Ukhozi FM

“When you look at the TLB, Mbokazi. It’s scary to see such a young boy at that age, who’s at that level now.

“Everyone is commending him. Jose [Riveiro] wanted him in Egypt [as Al Ahly head coach]. And also we had a meeting with the Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, he says this boy has to go play in Europe.” Ncikaizi told victor Molefe at Victor Ukhozi FM.