Just hours after Orlando Pirates confirmed that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi is leaving the club, Lamontville Golden Arrows announced a sudden coaching change of their own. The KwaZulu-Natal side has parted ways with head coach Pitso Dladla with immediate effect, opening the door for a familiar face to return.

Pirates released a statement on Thursday confirming that Ncikazi will leave to take up a head coaching position at another Premier Soccer League club. The 57-year-old had expressed his wish to lead a team again during discussions with management. Club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza thanked him for his service, saying Ncikazi leaves with the club’s gratitude and blessing. During his time at the Buccaneers, he was part of a technical team that collected nine trophies.

The timing of the Arrows announcement has fuelled strong speculation that Ncikazi is heading back to Durban. Reports from several outlets later confirmed that the experienced coach has indeed rejoined Golden Arrows as their new head coach. It marks a homecoming for Ncikazi, who spent more than 15 years working across the club’s structures before joining Pirates in 2021.

In his previous spell as head coach during the 2020/21 season, Ncikazi guided Arrows to a fourth-place finish in the league. That remains one of the best campaigns in the club’s history. Supporters and officials at the KZN side will hope he can bring similar stability this time around.

Dladla’s departure comes after a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. Arrows managed just one victory in their opening eight league matches, collecting only eight points from a possible 24. Although the side remains inside the top eight, the lack of consistent results led to the decision to part ways. Arrows thanked Dladla for his efforts and commitment during his short tenure.

Dladla had joined Arrows only in June this year after leaving Durban City, where he had guided the team to Nedbank Cup success. His time at Arrows, however, never quite clicked in the league.

The rapid changes leave both clubs looking ahead. Pirates will now need to reorganise their technical team, while Arrows turn to a coach who already knows the environment well. For Ncikazi, it is a chance to lead from the front again after years as an assistant. The move is expected to bring fresh energy to a Golden Arrows side that has talent but has struggled for results so far this season.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2113284380906905910