Arrows Part Ways With Dladla As Ncikazi Prepares For Return
Golden Arrows has confirmed the dismissal of head coach Pitso Dladla, paving the way for former mentor Mandla Ncikazi to return to the helm.
Sportswire understands that Dladla was living on borrowed time following a dismal five-match winless streak across all competitions.
Despite assuring journalists at Wednesday’s Carling Knockout Cup media day that he retained the full backing of management, the Durban-based outfit opted to terminate his contract. Dladla had replaced Manqoba Mngqithi during the off-season.
“We would like to thank coach Pitso Dladla for his efforts, commitment, and dedication during his tenure at the club,” Golden Arrows stated in an official release.
The announcement coincides with Ncikazi’s departure from Orlando Pirates on Thursday. The Buccaneers confirmed earlier in the day that their long-serving assistant coach had stepped down to take over at a rival Betway Premiership side.
Ncikazi previously guided Abafana Bes’Thende to a historic fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 season—the club’s highest-ever league placement in PSL history—earning a nomination for PSL Coach of the Season alongside eventual winner Benni McCarthy.
His history with the Umlazi club runs deep; Ncikazi also served as assistant coach under Mngqithi when Golden Arrows lifted the 2009 MTN8 title, which remains the franchise’s sole top-flight silverware.
Ncikazi is expected to take charge immediately and could be on the bench when Golden Arrows host Chippa United in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
