Ncikazi believes Pirates experience can lift Golden Arrows

Newly appointed Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi believes the five years he spent at Orlando Pirates have prepared him to take his former club to a higher level.

Ncikazi returned to the Golden Arrows bench for the first time at the weekend, but his side began his second spell with a 1-0 defeat by in-form AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership at Princess Magogo Stadium.

His time at Orlando Pirates included reaching the CAF Confederation Cup final and the CAF Champions League semi-final, as well as winning the league title and several domestic trophies. Ncikazi says those experiences have shaped the coach he is today and will now be used in his work at Golden Arrows.

“I was going through the archives of how much I have grown as a human being, as a coach, and as a man – the success, the memories, the downfalls, because the fact that you’re successful does not mean you don’t go through rough patches. But it also makes you aware of the world outside,” said Ncikazi.

He said the lessons learned during his time in Johannesburg had left him particularly grateful to Orlando Pirates, while also creating a responsibility to help develop younger players.

“That’s why I will forever be grateful to Pirates. I don’t think there is a coach who has experienced such success in the history of what I have gone through. But again, then go challenge yourself, try and teach what you think you know to the next generation of young players.”

Golden Arrows’ best league finish has been fourth place, achieved under Ncikazi. With KwaZulu-Natal now represented by more teams than any other province in the league, he believes the region’s clubs have a timely opportunity to compete for honours.

Ncikazi was also questioned about the decision to remain in Johannesburg without his family during his Orlando Pirates spell, and whether that had influenced his return home. He gave a measured response to the question.

His next match will provide a significantly tougher test, with Golden Arrows facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout on Wednesday. It will be Ncikazi’s second game back in charge.

Golden Arrows enjoyed a promising MTN8 campaign but were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals under the away-goal rule. Ncikazi will again look to Junior Dion, the club’s leading scorer last season, and has a particular challenge in store for the forward.