Ncikazi refuses to discuss reported tensions with former Orlando Pirates colleague Ouaddou

Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has declined to confirm or deny reports of a strained relationship with Abdeslam Ouaddou, his former colleague at Orlando Pirates.

Ncikazi left the 2025/26 season treble winners last month, with reported tensions between him and Ouaddou understood to have been among the factors behind his departure.

Ouaddou, who was head coach at Orlando Pirates, has rejected the speculation, saying people were attempting to create controversy where none existed.

Ncikazi was asked about the issue after Golden Arrows’ Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane on Tuesday. Rather than address the reports directly, he said coaches had a responsibility to protect the clubs they worked for and should not criticise previous employers publicly.

“Guys for the future as a principle, and as a man of my age, you don’t talk ill about your former employer because you offend them,” said Ncikazi.

“Equally the same when I start talking about my former employer, I’m offending my current employer. Every house has got a toilet. As a man, you don’t have a responsibility of telling every family that there’s challenges on your family.”

He added: “Me I’m just a man. Even if there was a problem, you are not going to know, because I’m a man. I’ve got a responsibility to protect the environment that I work for, irrespective of the environment.”

Ncikazi returned to Golden Arrows before overseeing three matches. His first was a league defeat by AmaZulu, followed by the Carling Knockout Cup victory over Chippa United in the opening round and the quarter-final elimination by Mamelodi Sundowns.

The coach said difficulties were present at every club, but argued that making them public was not part of his role.

“In every club that I’ve worked for, there are issues, but I don’t have a responsibility to publicly tell. As a coach, you are a CEO of the company, so protect the environment.”

Ncikazi ended the discussion by refusing to offer further comment.

“I’ve got no comment. I’ve got no issue to answer. Just in future, that I don’t answer such questions because I respect the environments.”