Golden Arrows have officially parted ways with head coach Pitso Dladla with immediate effect, paving the way for outgoing Orlando Pirates assistant Mandla Ncikazi to return to the KZN outfit.

The club confirmed Dladla’s departure in an official statement on Thursday afternoon, expressing gratitude for his contribution to the side.

“Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club and Coach Pitso Dladla have agreed to part ways effective immediately,” the club stated. “The Club would like to thank Coach Dladla for his efforts, commitment and dedication during his tenure at the Club.”

Dladla’s exit comes after a difficult start to the Betway Premiership campaign, where Abafana Bes’thende have managed just one win from their opening eight league matches, leaving them eighth on the table with eight points.

And Arrows’ statement follows closely on the heels of Pirates confirming that assistant coach Ncikazi has stepped down from his post to take up a head coaching role at an unnamed PSL club.

Ncikazi, who guided Golden Arrows to a memorable top-four finish during the 2020/21 season before joining the Soweto giants, is strongly linked with a return to the Durban-based side.

Earlier on Thursday, reports of a rift between Ncikazi and Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had surfaced following the assistant’s absence from the bench in recent games. However, Ouaddou dismissed the speculation during a media briefing at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

Just hours later, the Buccaneers released an official statement confirming Ncikazi’s departure following morning discussions with management, where he requested the opportunity to lead a team again.

During his time at Bucs, Ncikazi won nine trophies as part of the technical team—serving alongside coaches Jose Riveiro, Fadlu Davids, and most recently Ouaddou.

Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza extended his well wishes to the outgoing tactical assistant, acknowledging his contribution over the years.

“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing,” Dr Khoza said. “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.”

With Dladla’s immediate departure confirmed, Golden Arrows are expected to announce Ncikazi as his successor in due course.