Ncikazi Explains Emotional Return to Golden Arrows After Orlando Pirates Exit

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA — 2 NOVEMBER 2026

Newly appointed Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has opened up about his emotional return to the club, explaining why he decided to take on a new challenge at a familiar home after spending several successful years at Orlando Pirates.

The experienced South African tactician has returned to Abafana Bes'thende five years after previously guiding the Durban-based outfit to fourth place in the Premier Soccer League, their highest-ever league finish.

Speaking after Arrows suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against AmaZulu in the eThekwini Derby, Ncikazi reflected on his departure from Pirates and admitted that he felt ready for a different challenge in his coaching career.

Ncikazi expressed gratitude to the Buccaneers for the opportunities and experiences he enjoyed during his time at the Soweto giants.

"I think I achieved everything as a coach, and I'm grateful to the big institution [Orlando Pirates] and all the memories. I thank the supporters for sharing such memories with them," Ncikazi said.

The coach explained that after experiencing the demands of working at a major institution, he wanted to challenge himself again by developing younger players and experiencing the pressure of rebuilding a competitive team.

"Your next phase after you have won everything as a coach may be a different challenge. Let me go back, work with young players, challenge myself. I don't want to retire as a coach having not again having the stress that I have today," he added.

However, his decision to return to Golden Arrows was not purely professional. Ncikazi admitted that the club has always occupied a special place in his heart because of what they achieved together during his previous spell.

"When Arrows gave me the opportunity, I said the club is still very close to my heart. The highest position that Arrows ever achieved was in my presence. We broke almost lots of records. Maybe that crave was still there," he explained.

Despite the emotional reunion, Ncikazi understands that restoring Arrows to their former competitive standards will require considerable work.

He expressed concern about the team's lack of creativity in the attacking third and their inability to score enough goals, admitting that their first-half performance against AmaZulu exposed some of the problems affecting the team.

With another fixture scheduled for Tuesday, the coach acknowledged that the congested football calendar leaves little time for major tactical adjustments.

"Right now there's not too much time. You have another game on Tuesday… but that's the responsibility of a coach — you must find a way," he said.

Ncikazi's return represents an important new chapter for Golden Arrows. Having previously taken the club to unprecedented heights, he now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence, improving their attacking output and moving Abafana Bes'thende up the Betway Premiership standings.

Source https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2117183096743162172