Ncikazi Departs Pirates To Take Head Coaching Role

Orlando Pirates has confirmed the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who leaves the Soweto giants to pursue a head coaching opportunity in the Betway Premiership.

Sportswire previously disclosed that Ncikazi and head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou suffered a breakdown in their working relationship, with the Moroccan tactician warning management that he would step down if technical staff friction remained unresolved.

Addressing reporters on Thursday ahead of Pirates’ CAF Champions League second preliminary round second-leg tie against African Stars, Ouaddou played down reports of a rift, claiming Ncikazi’s absence was due to ankle surgery recovery.

Ncikazi had been missing from the Buccaneers’ technical bench in recent outings, notably sitting in plain clothes in the VIP suites during the MTN8 final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium earlier this month.

Despite Ouaddou’s pre-match remarks, Pirates issued a formal statement on Thursday confirming Ncikazi’s exit.

“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 said in a statement.

Sportswire understands Ncikazi is heavily tipped for a return to Golden Arrows, the Durban-based club he departed ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

“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,” the statement continued.

“Mr Ncikazi departs with nine trophies earned as part of the Pirates technical team, where he served predominantly as Assistant Coach, including a brief spell as co-coach. Throughout this period, he represented the Club with distinction.”

Pirates Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza paid tribute to Ncikazi’s contribution and acknowledged his ambition to step back into a top-flight head coaching role.

“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 nine 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.”

“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us. We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility,” Khoza said.

The club added: “For Ncikazi, the departure is also an opportunity to acknowledge the people with whom he shared his time at Pirates.”