Orlando Pirates have confirmed that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi is leaving the club to take up a head coaching position at another team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The Soweto club announced the decision on Thursday, explaining that Ncikazi had expressed a desire to return to leading a team after discussions with management earlier that day.
“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,” Pirates said in a statement.
The club did not identify the team Ncikazi will join.
Golden Arrows Linked With Former Coach
Ncikazi has been linked with a return to Golden Arrows, where he served as head coach during the 2020/21 season before joining Orlando Pirates.
The Durban-based club has struggled in the league despite an encouraging start in the MTN8 competition. Arrows have recorded one win in their opening eight league matches and sit eighth with eight points.
Ncikazi is reportedly being considered as a possible replacement for current coach Pitso Dladla, although Pirates have not confirmed his next destination.
Departure Follows Reports of Tension at Pirates
Speculation about Ncikazi’s future intensified after he was absent from the technical bench during recent matches, prompting reports of a possible disagreement with Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Ouaddou dismissed the reports during a media briefing at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Thursday.
However, the club confirmed Ncikazi’s departure a few hours after the briefing, stating that the move followed his request to pursue a head coaching opportunity.
During his time at Pirates, the 57-year-old worked with several coaches, including Jose Riveiro and Ouaddou. He also served alongside Fadlu Davids in a co-coaching arrangement and had a brief spell as co-coach in 2025.
Ncikazi Leaves With Nine Trophies
Ncikazi departs after helping Orlando Pirates secure nine trophies during his time as part of the club’s technical team, where he served primarily as assistant coach.
Pirates acknowledged his contribution and said his departure would also provide an opportunity to recognise the people he worked with during his spell at the club.
The announcement marks the end of his tenure with the Buccaneers as he prepares to take on a new responsibility in the PSL.
Irvin Khoza Wishes Ncikazi Well
Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza thanked Ncikazi for his service and acknowledged his decision to pursue another head coaching role.
“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us,” Khoza said.
“We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility,” he added.
Ncikazi’s next club has yet to be officially announced, although links with Golden Arrows continue as the team looks to improve its league form.
