Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who is stepping down to take a head coaching role at an undisclosed Premier Soccer League [PSL] club.
Ncikazi has been linked with a return to Golden Arrows, where he was the head coach during the 2020/21 season before his move to the Buccaneers.
He has worked with various coaches at the Soweto giants, including Jose Riveiro and more recently Abdeslam Ouaddou. The 57-year-old also worked as a co-coach alongside Fadlu Davids.
Prior to Pirates’ announcement on Thursday, reports had surfaced suggesting a fallout between Ncikazi and head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The speculation was further fuelled by Ncikazi’s absence from the bench in recent matches.
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However, coach Ouaddou dismissed the reports during a media briefing at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Thursday morning. Just hours later, Pirates officially confirmed Ncikazi’s departure to take over at an undisclosed PSL side.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club confirms that Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi will be leaving the Club to take up the Head Coach position at a team in the Premier Soccer League,” the club confirmed.
“The move follows discussions with management this morning in which Mr Ncikazi expressed his wish to pursue the opportunity to lead a team again. The Club has given him its blessing to do so.
“Mr Ncikazi departs with 9 trophies earned as part of the Pirates technical team, where he served predominantly as Assistant Coach, including a brief spell as co-coach in 2025. Throughout this period, he represented the Club with distinction.
“For Ncikazi, the departure is also an opportunity to acknowledge the people with whom he shared his time at Pirates.”
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Meanwhile, Pirates boss Dr Irvin Khoza thanked Ncikazi and acknowledged his ambition to return to head coaching.
“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us,” said Dr Khoza.
“We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility.”
Ncikazi is strongly linked with a move to Arrows to take over from coach Pitso Dladla. Despite an impressive start in the MTN8, Arrows have struggled in the league, with only one win in their first eight matches. They currently sit in position eight with eight points.
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