Ncikazi Sends Strong Message Amid Pirates Exit Speculation: ‘I Have No Responsibility to Talk Ill About Pirates’

Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has made his position clear regarding his departure from Orlando Pirates, insisting that he has no intention of speaking negatively about the Soweto giants despite speculation surrounding his exit.

The experienced South African tactician recently returned to Golden Arrows after ending his five-year association with Pirates, where he enjoyed considerable success as part of the club's technical team.

His departure attracted attention, particularly following reports suggesting that there may have been tensions between him and Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

However, Ncikazi has refused to fuel speculation, maintaining that his professional principles prevent him from publicly discussing internal matters involving his former employers.

Speaking to the media following Golden Arrows' encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns, the 57-year-old explained why he prefers to remain respectful towards the clubs he has worked for.

"Guys, for the future, as a principle, and as a man of my age, you don't talk ill of your former employer because you will offend them. Equally the same, when I speak about my former employer, I'm offending my current employer," Ncikazi said.

The former Pirates assistant coach further emphasised that every football club experiences challenges behind the scenes, but that does not mean those matters should be exposed publicly.

"Every house has a toilet. As a man, you don't have to tell everyone that you have challenges in your family. Even if there was a problem, you will never know. I'm a man, I've got a responsibility to protect the environment I work in, irrespective of the environment," he added.

Ncikazi also believes that coaches have a responsibility to protect the institutions they represent, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their departures.

"In every club I've worked for, there were issues, but I don't have the responsibility to publicly tell. As a coach, you're the CEO of the company, so protect that environment. I have no comment," he concluded.

During his five-year spell at Orlando Pirates, Ncikazi became part of a successful technical team that collected nine trophies, establishing himself as an important figure within the club.

His return to Golden Arrows represents a new chapter in his coaching career, having previously guided the KwaZulu-Natal outfit to a historic fourth-place finish in the league.

While questions about his departure from Pirates may continue, Ncikazi appears determined to focus on his new responsibilities rather than revisit the past.

For now, his priority is rebuilding Golden Arrows and using the experience gained at one of South Africa's biggest football institutions to take Abafana Bes'thende forward.

Source https://x.com/i/status/2117875120521773193