Mandla Ncikazi leaves Orlando Pirates to become PSL head coach

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who is set to take up a head coach role at another club in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Ncikazi had been absent from the Pirates bench in recent matches, with the club previously revealing that he had undergone knee surgery.

His absence had fuelled speculation about a possible fallout with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. However, Ouaddou dismissed the reports as false during a press conference on Thursday.

Pirates confirmed Ncikazi’s departure a few hours later, saying the coach had expressed his desire to return to a head coaching position.

Although the club did not name his next destination, Ncikazi is understood to be joining Golden Arrows.

“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.

“The move follows discussions with management this morning in which Mr Ncikazi expressed his wish to pursue the opportunity to lead a team again. The club has given him its blessing to do so.”

Ncikazi leaves the Soweto-based side having been part of a technical team that won nine trophies during his time at the club.

He served predominantly as an assistant coach and also had a brief spell as co-coach in 2025.

Pirates praised his contribution, saying he had represented the club with distinction throughout his tenure.