Official departure from Soweto. Orlando Pirates assistant coach earns promotion

Orlando Pirates Football Club have officially announced the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who will continue his career as the head coach of another team in South Africa's top flight.

Details: The Buccaneers' management confirmed the parting of ways with the coach after a meeting with senior management on Thursday, bringing an end to widespread media speculation.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club confirms that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will leave the club to take up the position of head coach of a Premier Soccer League team,” the Soweto club said in an official statement.

During the meeting, the 57-year-old made it clear that he intended to seize the opportunity to return to a head coaching role. According to South African sports outlets, his next destination will be Golden Arrows, who were looking for a replacement after an underwhelming start to the campaign.

It is worth noting that Mandla Ncikazi boasts an impressive track record in South African football. As a player, he represented African Wanderers and AmaZulu, while he began his coaching career at Maritzburg United. A return to Golden Arrows will be a familiar chapter for the coach, as it was under his guidance that the Durban club secured a historic fourth-place finish in the national championship during the 2020/21 season before he joined the Orlando Pirates coaching staff.

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