Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his now former assistant Mandla Ncikazi, who has been confirmed to have left Soweto to return to Golden Arrows' head coaching job.

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Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi is leaving the club to pursue a Premier Soccer League head coaching position, with the announcement coming just hours after head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou dismissed reports of a rift between the pair.

Pirates confirmed Ncikazi’s departure on Thursday following discussions with management earlier in the day, during which the coach expressed his desire to return to leading a team.

The club said it had given Ncikazi its blessing to pursue the opportunity, bringing an end to a spell in which he helped the Buccaneers win nine trophies as part of the technical team.

Ncikazi served predominantly as an assistant coach, with a brief spell as co-coach in 2025.

The timing of the announcement is notable given Ouaddou’s earlier comments, when he was asked about reports of tension between himself and Ncikazi.

At the time, the Moroccan coach pointed to the club’s statement confirming that Ncikazi had undergone surgery and was recovering.

“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 also expressed frustration with the speculation, insisting the atmosphere at Pirates remained positive.

“We read many things about that, everything is okay in our club, the environment is okay, so people must not start to create any problems. There is surgery and I wish him the best, not to create problems. I read many things.”

Ouaddou went further by referring to a recent affectionate exchange between the two as he rejected suggestions of a breakdown in their relationship.

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

Pirates’ subsequent announcement said Ncikazi had expressed a wish to pursue the opportunity to lead a team again. The club did not link his departure to the rumours surrounding the technical team.

Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza thanked Ncikazi for his service and wished him well in his next role.

“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.

Pirates have not named the club Ncikazi is joining or announced who will replace him on the technical team.

His departure closes a successful chapter at the Soweto giants and creates a new opportunity for him to return to the head coach’s seat.