Ncikazi begins second Golden Arrows spell after Orlando Pirates departure

Mandla Ncikazi has returned to the Betway Premiership as head coach of Lamontville Golden Arrows after leaving Orlando Pirates.

The experienced coach was officially presented by Golden Arrows on Thursday, shortly after his departure from the Soweto club. His appointment follows a prolonged absence from Orlando Pirates’ technical bench in recent matches.

Ncikazi had not worked alongside coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for several weeks, prompting speculation about his future. Orlando Pirates maintained that his absence was linked solely to his recovery from recent surgery.

The 2026/27 campaign will now see Ncikazi back in charge in KwaZulu-Natal, where he succeeds Pitso Dladla after his dismissal.

Speaking to Golden Arrows’ media team about his departure from Orlando Pirates, Ncikazi thanked his former employers and said the relationship he built there had been important to his development in football management.

“It is predestination, and sometimes it helps,” Ncikazi stated.

“They say, ‘Isihlahla asinyelwa (Don’t burn your bridges).’ I wouldn’t have this opportunity if I were not the person that I am. Hence, I’m still grateful to my previous employers (Orlando Pirates) for the opportunity and growth, and the words of wisdom.”

The coach also paid tribute to Golden Arrows chairlady Mato Madlala for considering him when the club needed a new manager.

“I’m also grateful to our chairlady (Mato Madlala) for thinking about my name when she needed a coach.”

Ncikazi added that he intended to improve the team after taking over.

“I will do my best to try and improve the product. I’m confident that we will be better.”

This is Ncikazi’s second proper spell as Golden Arrows head coach. During his previous tenure, he guided Abafana Bes’thende to a historic, franchise-record fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 season.

His immediate task is to revive a team that has made a poor start to the 2026/27 campaign. Golden Arrows had gone five matches without a win in all competitions before his arrival, losing three and drawing two.

That run has left the Durban club eighth in the league standings, with only one victory from its opening eight matches.

Ncikazi therefore returns to a familiar club facing a substantial rebuilding challenge, having most recently been part of an Orlando Pirates coaching set-up that had kept him away from the touchline in the weeks before his departure.