Newly appointed Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi has reflected on his first few days since his return at the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
Ncikazi has returned to Abafana Bes’thende following his departure at reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates were he served as assistant coach to Abdeslam Ouaddou.
He takes over from Pitso Dladla who parted ways with the club after a five-game winless streak. This includes a 1-0 loss against newcomers Milford FC in his last match in charge.
This is not Ncikazi’s first stint at Arrows having previously worked as head of development, assistant coach as well as the head coach roles.
WHAT MANDLA NCIKAZI SAYS ABOUT HIS RETURN TO KZN SIDE
He has described his return to the club as a pre-destination while also reflecting on what he has seen in the few days that he has been at training.
“It’s pre-destination; sometimes it helps. I wouldn’t have had an opportunity if I’m not the person that I am,” Ncikazi told the Arrows media team.
“Hence, I’m still grateful to my previous employers [Orlando Pirates] for the opportunity and growth and words of wisdom. So I’m also grateful to our chairlady [Mato Madlala] for thinking about my name when she needed a coach. I’ll do my best to try and improve the product. I’m confident that we’ll be better than what we were yesterday,” he added.
Ncikazi’s first match in charge will be in the Carling Knockout Cup when Arrows host Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, 24 October. After the League match Arrows will take on AmaZulu FC in the KZN derby on Saturday, 31 October.
GOLDEN ARROWS COACH POSITIVE WITH THE REACTION FROM HIS PLAYERS IN TRAINING
Ncikazi says he is impressed with what he has seen from the players so far, insisting that they have shown willingness to learn.
“It’s early days, and working with the young players—but I see the willingness from all of them, the willpower to learn from the set plays you can see. They want to learn, they want to try some new things. That gives hope. I’m confident that with this attitude, we’re going to do better. You can’t over-promise and under-perform.
“It’s good to be back. We hope we’re going to bring the happiness that we brought some years ago, and let them come and support the youngsters. This team has got the potential of being a very good product. With their support, that is going to be successful.”
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