Ncikazi declines to discuss reported Ouaddou rift after Golden Arrows move

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi has refused to comment on reports of a breakdown in his relationship with Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou during their time at the Buccaneers.

Ncikazi recently left Orlando Pirates to join Golden Arrows, with speculation surrounding an alleged internal dispute with Ouaddou. Although Ouaddou has said the pair enjoyed a good relationship, Ncikazi said he would not publicly discuss any problems involving his former club.

Speaking after Golden Arrows’ 1-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, Ncikazi said professional responsibility prevented him from discussing the matter.

“As a man of my age, you don’t talk ill about your former employer because you offend them,” Ncikazi told the media.

“Equally, when I start talking about my former employer, I’m offending my current employer. Every house has a toilet.

“As a man, you don’t have a responsibility to tell every family member there’s challenges in your family. Even if there was a problem, you are not going to know because I’m a man. I have a responsibility to protect the environment I work for.

“In every club where I’ve worked, there are issues. But I don’t have a responsibility to publicly tell. As a coach, you are a CEO of the company. Protect the environment. I’ve got no comment. I’ve got no issues to answer.”

Ncikazi instead focused on the areas Golden Arrows must improve after their defeat by Sundowns, saying his players had reached promising positions but were unable to produce the decisive pass or make the correct choice in the final phase of attacks.

The coach was disappointed by his side’s attacking execution, despite praising the players’ work rate.

“We will try to make the team better. We got into the areas we wanted to get into, but I’m disappointed in that part where there was one missing link,” he said.

“I don’t think we will win games if we don’t make decisions in that final area. But I’m not disappointed with the effort from the boys. They work very hard and there is something to work on and congratulations to Sundowns.”