Former Orlando Pirates star Thulasizwe Mbuyane has weighed in on speculation surrounding assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, suggesting that a fresh challenge could benefit the experienced tactician if the club agrees to let him leave.

Questions about Ncikazi’s immediate future have emerged after he was absent from the touchline during recent Pirates matches. Social media speculation has also suggested there could be tension between head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and members of his technical team, although no official confirmation of a dispute has been issued.

Ncikazi’s recent absence has a known explanation: he suffered a knee injury that required surgery and has been using crutches while recovering. His injury has kept him away from his usual touchline duties in recent weeks.

However, Mbuyane told KickOff that he had noticed Ncikazi spending more time in the stands during matches, prompting him to question whether there might be more to the situation.

“I do not know for sure whether there is a problem between Ncikazi and coach Ouaddou, but I have noticed that Ncikazi has been spending more time in the stands than on the touchline during Pirates matches,” Mbuyane said.

The former midfielder, who was part of Pirates during their successful double-treble period, described Ncikazi as an important link between the head coach and the players.

He also observed that another member of the technical team, whom he knew as a video analyst during his time at the club, appeared to be giving more instructions from the touchline in recent matches.

“From the outside, as a supporter, I have noticed that the coach appears to have distanced himself somewhat from the technical team,” Mbuyane said, adding: “Where there is smoke, there is fire.”

Ncikazi has also been linked with a possible return to Golden Arrows, where head coach Pitso Dladla is reportedly under pressure following a run of poor results. Such a move could offer Ncikazi a different role, although neither the club nor the coach has confirmed that negotiations are taking place.

When Ouaddou took charge of Pirates following Jose Riveiro’s departure, Ncikazi remained on the coaching staff to provide continuity. Together, the technical team guided the club to three trophies last season: the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Betway Premiership.

Neither Pirates management nor Ouaddou and Ncikazi has publicly confirmed a rift or announced a decision about the assistant coach’s future. For now, speculation continues, while Ncikazi’s injury remains the stated reason for his recent absence from the touchline.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2113229139087921445?s=46