Ncikazi will return to coach Orlando Pirates, says Mhlongo

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Benson Mhlongo believes Mandla Ncikazi’s departure from the Soweto club is temporary and that he will eventually return to take charge as head coach.

Ncikazi has rejoined Golden Arrows after a successful spell with Orlando Pirates, where he served as an assistant to Jose Riveiro and Abdeslam Ouaddou, among others.

He also shared coaching duties with Fadlu Davids during a previous period at the club, helping guide Orlando Pirates to the final of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Mhlongo said only Ncikazi knew the full reasons behind his decision to leave, but suggested the move was linked to his desire to develop independently as a coach.

“Only Ncikazi knows why he decided to leave. It is difficult to read between the lines when a person says I’m going for greener pastures, especially when a coach says, ‘How can you kiss a person that you don’t like?’” Mhlongo told KickOff.

He said coaches needed to reach a stage where they could rely on their own judgement, something he felt was difficult while working as an assistant.

“Also, remember, as a coach you need to grow, like the likes of Rulani Mokoena have done. There comes a time when you need to use your own brain and perception. And being an assistant doesn’t allow you to do such,” he said.

Mhlongo added that leaving to lead another team could be a more constructive option than remaining in a role where frustrations might develop.

“When you feel you have grown enough, it’s better to leave and go and start your own kraal, rather than to stay and start chaos,” he said.

Despite Ncikazi’s return to Golden Arrows, Mhlongo expects him to work with Orlando Pirates again in the future, this time as the club’s head coach.

“Ncikazi will come back as a head coach at Pirates one day. He joined Pirates from Arrows, a club that has looked after him for years. And now that they are in trouble he needs to go save them from being relegated,” Mhlongo said.

Golden Arrows have begun a new era with a victory over Chippa United, while Ncikazi’s return has been described as a “home sweet home” moment following his unveiling by the club.

Mhlongo rejected the idea that the move was motivated primarily by money. Instead, he viewed it as a decision shaped by Ncikazi’s connection to Golden Arrows and his sense of personal dignity.

“So, it’s not a money-based decision, but a love-based decision and a self-respect decision. Respect is bigger than any person in the black community,” he added.