Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Mandla Ncikazi is leaving the club to become head coach of another Premier Soccer League side.

The announcement comes just hours after Abdeslam Ouaddou dismissed reports of a rift between the two, insisting “everything is okay in the club.”

According to the Buccaneers, the move followed discussions with management on Thursday morning, in which Ncikazi “expressed his wish to pursue the opportunity to lead a team again.” 

The club has given him its blessing to go. While nothing has been confirmed, indications are that Ncikazi is going back to Golden Arrows.

Ncikazi departs with nine trophies won as part of the Pirates technical team, where he served mainly as assistant coach, including a brief spell as co-coach. Pirates says he “represented the club with distinction” throughout that period.

Chairman Irvin Khoza was full of praise for the departing mentor and acknowledged his ambition to return to head coaching.

“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us. 

“We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility,” said Khoza.

The statement did not name Ncikazi’s new club, leaving the PSL waiting to see where he will land.

For Ncikazi, the exit is also a chance to thank the people he shared his time with at Pirates, closing a long and trophy-laden chapter at the Soweto giants.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content