Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hit back at claims of a fallout with his assistant Mandla Ncikazi, and he is not happy with the media.

Reports earlier this week suggested Ncikazi was on his way out, with Ouaddou allegedly demanding the club release him or he would resign. Asked about the speculation during the club’s media day on Thursday, Ouaddou pointed to the Buccaneers’ official statement, which said Ncikazi has had surgery and is recovering.

Pirates had issued a statement to say Ncikazi would be allowed to go home to KwaZulu-Natal to recover after a knee surgery.

“The club issued a statement about that, he had surgery, so now he’s recovering, I wish him all the best, that’s all I can say,” Ouaddou said.

He then made his frustration clear, accusing some media outlets of inventing stories about the club and insisting the mood inside the camp is calm.

“We read many things about that, everything is okay in the club, the environment is okay,” added the French-Moroccan coach.

“So, people must not start to create any problem. There is surgery and I wish him the best, not to create problems. I read many things.”

Ouaddou also offered what he sees as proof that the relationship is sound, pointing to a recent show of affection between the two.

“Someone who is kissing someone on his forehead, you cannot start to invent any stories.”

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