“Never Burn Bridges” – Ncikazi Expresses Gratitude To Pirates Following Arrows Return
Newly appointed Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi says he will forever remain grateful to Orlando Pirates for his growth as a mentor, adding that his return to Abafana Bes’Thende was made possible because he “never burnt bridges.”
Ncikazi departed the Buccaneers on Thursday after more than five years at Mayfair, sealing a return to the Durban outfit that originally released him to Pirates ahead of the 2021/22 season.
His departure followed reports of a rift with Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Sensing Ncikazi’s imminent exit, Arrows acted swiftly – dismissing Pitso Dladla following a five-match winless run and reappointing Ncikazi to lead the side.
This marks Ncikazi’s third stint at Abafana Bes’Thende. He previously served as an assistant to Manqoba Mngqithi during their iconic 2009/10 MTN8 triumph, before working under Clinton Larsen and Steve Komphela prior to his first head coaching spell.
“It is predestination, and sometimes it helps,” Ncikazi stated during a club’s X-space.
“They say, ‘Don’t chop down the tree whose shade you might need one day.’ I wouldn’t have this opportunity if I’m not the person that I am. Hence, I’m still grateful to my previous employers for the words of wisdom.
“I’m so grateful to our chairlady [Mato Madlala] for thinking about my name when she needed a coach.”
Ncikazi, who will be assisted by Ashley Makhanya, faces an immediate test in his opening match when Golden Arrows host Chippa United in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
“I will do my best to try and improve the product,” added Ncikazi, who famously led Arrows to fourth place in the 2020/21 season, the club’s highest finish in the PSL era.
“I’m confident that we will be better than what we were yesterday.”
Assessing the squad upon his arrival, Ncikazi highlighted the enthusiasm of the club’s younger core:
“It is early days, and working with young players, but I see the willingness from all of them. They have 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 are going to do better. You can’t overpromise and underperform.”
