Mandla Ncikazi returns to Golden Arrows after Orlando Pirates exit

Mandla Ncikazi has been appointed head coach of Golden Arrows, returning to the Durban club only a week after leaving Orlando Pirates ahead of the Soweto Derby.

His unveiling came about an hour after Arrows announced the departure of Pitso Dladla, who was dismissed following a poor run of results.

The timing also followed a difficult day for Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who had faced intense questions about Ncikazi’s position at the club before the assistant coach’s exit was confirmed.

Ncikazi is now back for a second spell in charge of Arrows, having previously led the side to a record fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 season.

The coach arrives with considerable experience of success at Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, where he won nine trophies.

His immediate challenge will be to improve on Dladla’s work. Although Arrows had reached the top half of the standings under their former coach, they had won only one of their eight league matches so far.

Arrows have taken eight points from those opening eight Betway Premiership fixtures. Their record consists of one victory, five draws and two defeats.

Ncikazi’s first match back in charge will be a Carling Knockout last-16 tie against Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

The match gives the new coach an immediate opportunity to change the team’s fortunes and guide Arrows into the quarter-finals.