Newly appointed Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has reflected on his first few days back at the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, promising to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Ncikazi returned to Abafana Bes’thende following his departure from reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates, where he served as assistant coach to Abdeslam Ouaddou.
At Arrows, 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 head coach.
Ncikazi described his homecoming as predestined, offering his early impressions after spending his first few days putting the team through their paces on the training pitch.
WHAT MANDLA NCIKAZI SAYS ABOUT HIS RETURN TO GOLDEN ARROWS
“It’s pre-destination; sometimes it helps. I wouldn’t have had an opportunity if I were 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, 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.”
MANDLA NCIKAZI PLEASED WITH SQUAD’S RESPONSE IN FIRST DAYS BACK AT ARROWS
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. 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,” he added.
“It’s good to be back. We hope we’re going to bring the happiness that we brought some years ago, and let them [fans] come and support the youngsters. This team has the potential to be a very good product. With their support, that is going to be successful.”
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