Mandla Ncikazi back at Golden Arrows after Pitso Dladla exit

Mandla Ncikazi has returned to Lamontville Golden Arrows as head coach, with the Durban club bringing back a familiar figure after parting company with Pitso Dladla.

Golden Arrows announced Ncikazi’s appointment on Thursday, shortly after confirming that Dladla had left his position with immediate effect.

The change follows a poor opening to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, in which Abafana Bes’thende have won only one of their first eight league matches. The club have also struggled for attacking consistency and endured a run of matches without a victory.

Ncikazi has a long association with Golden Arrows, having worked within the club’s structures for more than 15 years, including in its development system. His return therefore represents both a change in leadership and a renewed link with a coach who understands the organisation’s methods and culture.

The 2020/21 campaign was the most successful of his previous spell in charge. Ncikazi guided the KwaZulu-Natal side to fourth place in the league, one of the best finishes in Golden Arrows’ history.

He left the club in 2021 to join Orlando Pirates, where he became part of a successful technical team. During his time with the Soweto club, he helped deliver several trophies, working as an assistant coach and, for a brief period, as a co-coach.

Ncikazi’s five years in the high-pressure environment at Orlando Pirates add further experience to his return to Golden Arrows. His new appointment also gives him the chance to lead a top-flight side again at a club where he previously achieved a landmark league finish.

His first task will be to improve Arrows’ results and bring greater consistency to their campaign. The team’s limited attacking output and extended winless run have increased pressure on the club, with Ncikazi now responsible for helping the squad regain its momentum.

Golden Arrows will hope the appointment can provide stability while addressing the results that led to Dladla’s departure. Ncikazi, meanwhile, has the opportunity to build on his earlier success and guide the club towards its ambitions for the season.