Mandla Ncikazi leaves Orlando Pirates to become PSL head coach

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will leave the club to take charge of another team in the Premier Soccer League.

The announcement came on Thursday, only hours after head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faced questions about Ncikazi’s position at the club.

Pirates said Ncikazi had informed the management of his desire to return to a head-coaching role, following discussions earlier on Thursday. The club said it had given him its blessing to pursue the opportunity, although it did not name his next club.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club confirms that Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi will be leaving the Club to take up the Head Coach position at a team in the Premier Soccer League,” the club said in a statement.

Ncikazi departs after winning nine trophies as part of the Pirates technical team. He worked mainly as an assistant coach during his time with the club, but also had a brief spell as co-coach in 2025.

The club said he had represented Orlando Pirates with distinction throughout his tenure.

Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza thanked Ncikazi and said the decision reflected the coach’s ambition to lead a team again.

“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us. We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility,” said Dr Khoza.

Ncikazi’s departure brings an end to his latest spell on the Pirates technical staff, where he played a central supporting role and contributed to the club’s collection of nine trophies.

The club’s statement did not disclose the identity of the PSL side that Ncikazi will join or specify when he will begin his new position.