Ncikazi targets Golden Arrows revival after return to club

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi says he is confident of ending the club’s poor run after beginning his second spell in charge.

Ncikazi returned to Arrows as head coach last week, replacing Pitso Dladla following a difficult period for the club. Arrows had gone five matches without a win before recording a 4-0 home victory over Chippa United in the opening round of the Carling Knockout on Saturday.

Dladla was dismissed before that match, although Ncikazi was not in the dugout for the Chippa game. Assistant coach Ashley Makhanya took charge as Arrows secured their first win in eight league matches.

“It’s good to be back. We hope we will bring the happiness we brought some years ago. This team has the potential of being a very good product,” Ncikazi told the club’s media team.

The coach previously guided Arrows to fourth place in the 2020/21 season, the club’s highest-ever finish in the league.

Although his return is at an early stage, Ncikazi said he had already been encouraged by the players’ approach in training.

“It’s early days but I see the willingness to learn new things from the players, and that gives hope. I am confident that with this attitude, we are going to do better. You can’t overpromise and underperform,” he said.

Arrows have won only once in eight league matches this season, while drawing five and losing two.

Ncikazi also credited his continuing relationship with club owner Mato Madlala for helping make his return possible. He left Arrows for Orlando Pirates in 2021, where he spent five years and primarily worked as an assistant to coaches including Jose Riveiro and incumbent Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The 50-year-old said his time at Orlando Pirates had been important for his development, while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining good relationships in football.

“It is predestination; sometimes it helps. Bathi isihlahla asinyelwa (they say don’t burn your bridges). I wouldn’t have had this opportunity [to return to Arrows] if I were not the person that I am,” Ncikazi said.

“Hence, I’m still grateful to my previous employers [Orlando Pirates] for the opportunity and growth, and the words of wisdom.”

Ncikazi added that he appreciated Madlala’s decision to consider him when searching for a new coach and pledged to improve the team.

“I’m also grateful to our chairlady [Mato Madlala] for thinking about my name when she needed a coach. I will do my best to try to improve the product. I’m confident that we will be better than what we were yesterday.”