Ncikazi: Leaving Orlando Pirates was the right challenge for me

Newly appointed Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi says he left Orlando Pirates after feeling he had achieved everything possible during a successful five-year spell with the Soweto club.

The 57-year-old ended his association with the Buccaneers after helping the technical team secure nine trophies. Several reports had suggested that disagreements with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou played a role in his departure.

However, speaking after Golden Arrows’ 1-0 defeat by AmaZulu at the weekend, Ncikazi said his decision was motivated by the desire for a new challenge and a return to KwaZulu-Natal.

“I thought, with gratitude, where I’m coming from, I think I achieved everything as a coach. I’m grateful to the big institution and all the memories,” said Ncikazi.

The coach also said he wanted to return to working more closely with younger players and continue developing himself professionally rather than allowing his career to drift towards retirement.

“I thank the supporters for sharing such memories with them. Then, in your next phase, after you have won everything, now as a coach, maybe [go for] a different challenge. Let me go back, work with young players, and challenge myself.

“I don’t want to retire as a coach, not having the stress that I have today. I thought it was an opportunity for me when Arrows gave me the opportunity. I said the club is still very close to my heart.”

Arrows face battle to improve form

Ncikazi takes charge of a Golden Arrows side struggling near the lower half of the Betway Premiership table. Abafana Bes’thende are 10th with eight points from their opening nine league matches.

Their record includes one win, five draws and three defeats. They have also scored only three goals, underlining the attacking problems facing the team.

The new coach will now attempt to use his experience of winning major honours to lift the club’s fortunes, with the Carling Knockout Cup offering an opportunity to build momentum despite their domestic difficulties.

Golden Arrows reached the competition’s quarter-finals after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Chippa United in the Round of 16.

Their next assignment will be considerably tougher, with Mamelodi Sundowns standing between them and a place in the semi-finals.