Mandla Ncikazi has officially returned to Golden Arrows as head coach, stepping into the hot seat just hours after the KZN outfit severed ties with Pitso Dladla.
Abafana Bes’thende confirmed Dladla’s departure on Thursday afternoon before announcing Ncikazi as his immediate replacement to lead the side in the Betway Premiership.
Ncikazi’s appointment comes on the back of his exit from Orlando Pirates, where he served as assistant coach before requesting to step down to pursue a head coaching opportunity.
The 57-year-old previously enjoyed a successful stint at Arrows during the 2020/21 season, guiding the club to a historic top-four finish before joining the Buccaneers.
Ncikazi takes over an Abafana Bes’thende side that has struggled for consistency in the league, managing just one victory in their opening eight Betway Premiership fixtures.
GOLDEN ARROWS UNVEIL MANDLA NCIKAZI AS NEW HEAD COACH
“Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club is delighted to welcome back Coach Mandla Ncikazi who returns to Abafana Bes’thende to take the reins as Head Coach,” said the club in a statement.
“A familiar face, a proud son of the Club and a man who understands the culture and traditions of the Club. The Club looks forward to benefiting from his immense knowledge and experience attained over the course of a long and successful career.
“We look forward to this new chapter as we unite behind Coach Ncikazi and the journey ahead. Sthende Nation welcomes you back, Coach. Home is where it all begins.”
Ncikazi’s move back to KZN follows days of speculation regarding his position at Pirates, where rumours of a rift with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou were fuelled by his absence from the Buccaneers’ bench in recent outings.
Although Ouaddou brushed off reports of tension during Thursday morning’s press conference at the Orlando Amstel Arena, the Soweto giants officially confirmed Ncikazi’s departure later in the day. Arrows will be banking on his familiar leadership to steady the ship and reignite their campaign.
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES COACH IN DURBAN
Ncikazi’s first task at the club will be to overcome struggling Chippa United in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals on Saturday, 24 October, a cup competition that he won last season while at the Buccaneers.
However, his league task will begin immediately with a KZN Derby against in-form AmaZulu FC on Saturday, 31 October. He will then face struggling Marumo Gallants the following weekend at home.
Ncikazi will gladly welcome the upcoming FIFA international break, which runs from 9-17 November 2026, and will allow him more time to implement his ideas with the team. Immediately after the break Ncikazi and his players will then face his former side Pirates at the Orlando Amstel Arena on 28 November 2026.
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