Orlando Pirates stand-in captain Olisa Ndah has attributed the improvement in his game to assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi since his arrival at the club.
This past weekend, the 26-year-old centre-back returned to the Nigerian national team for the first time in a year, as they defeated Benin 3-0. In the MTN8, Ndah also scored to secure another final spot after cruising past Cape Town City.
Despite giving credit to both head coach Jose Riveiro and Ncikazi for taking his game to the next level, Ndah strongly emphasized the latter's influence as more significant.
I would say Mandla Ncikazi, because he is the one who signed me at the club," Ndah told centerkick when asked which coach has been more helpful to me.
"I am grateful to him for believing in me and giving me opportunities.
I have a good relationship with him and he's a great person.
We did analysis together on games and stuff, so yeah, he's been a great help to me," he added.
Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah has opened up on receiving the captain’s armband by Jose Riveiro this season.
In Bucs' first five games of the 2024/25 season, Ndah has scored once.
This season, Ndah has carried the armband for the Sea Robbers in the absence of Bucs captain Innocent Maela.
"I didn't expect it at all. It was just an opportunity given to me by the club.
"And getting into the finals of the MTN8 again, I think we're going to have a great season."
He made his first appearance in 17 months when the Super Eagles defeated Benin 3-0 in the first match of their Africa Cup of Nations qualification, coming off the bench in the second half.
When asked if he felt unfairly treated after missing previous Nigeria camps, he responded, "I think nothing has changed, with the selections that have been coming out they have been good."
"You can't please everyone, you can't invite everyone. I think you can invite a limited number of people."
I'm just happy to be here. I take it one day at a time, and I'm always excited when I'm called up, whether it's a friendly game or whatever.
On Tuesday, Nigeria will play Rwanda in their second 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
