Mandla Ncikazi promises Orlando Pirates fans will see a new ‘Tyson’

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has promised fans can expect to see an improved Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo in the upcoming season.

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Hlatshwayo joined the Soweto giants at the beginning of last season from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, but a number of defensive blunders spoilt his maiden season.

However, in good news for all Buccaneers supporters, Ncikazi has assured them – and warned opposing teams – that the 31-year-old defender will return bigger, better and meaner.

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“The first discussion I had with any player at the club was with Tyson [Hlatshwayo],” Ncikazi told Metro FM as per iDiski Times.

“Great human being, very intelligent. He is not a captain by mistake. History, how he grew up at Ajax… But I can guarantee you one thing, you will see a different Tyson, I can put my head on the block.

“Wait for it, if we don’t go 10 games without a changed Tyson, phone me and I owe you something. But I can guarantee you, we will see a different Tyson.

“We spoke. We spoke about a lot of things, about the team, his individual performances, where he wants to get this season, what he wants to achieve.”

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Orlando Pirates will next be in action against Swallows in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 on Saturday, 14, August.

The Buccaneers will begin their 2021/22 DStv Premiership campaign at home against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday, 21 August at 15:00.

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