PIRATES BOMBSHELL! Abdeslam Ouaddou Breaks Silence on Mandla Ncikazi Fallout Rumours

SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL NEWS | 22 OCTOBER 2026

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has moved to dismiss speculation surrounding his relationship with assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, insisting that everything remains under control at the Soweto giants despite growing rumours linking the latter with a possible return to Golden Arrows.

The reports have attracted attention among South African football supporters, particularly after claims emerged that Ouaddou had allegedly issued an ultimatum concerning Ncikazi's return to the Pirates bench. However, the Buccaneers' head coach has publicly rejected the narrative, maintaining that there is no internal crisis at the club.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Ouaddou explained that Ncikazi's absence was related to his recovery from emergency knee surgery rather than any disagreement within the technical team.

"I think the club has issued a statement about that. He had surgery, and now he is recovering. I wish him all the best, and that's it," Ouaddou said.

The Moroccan coach also expressed disappointment with the reports, suggesting that speculation was creating unnecessary tension around a club that he believes remains united.

"We have read many things about that — I'm sorry about that. Everything is okay in our club: the environment is okay, so people must not start to create any problems," he added.

His comments will provide reassurance to Pirates supporters who have been concerned about the possibility of disagreements behind the scenes. Nevertheless, questions surrounding Ncikazi's eventual return to the technical area are likely to remain a talking point until further clarity emerges.

Ncikazi's Pirates future attracts attention

Ncikazi has played an important role in Pirates' recent success, working alongside the coaching staff during a period in which the club established itself as one of the strongest teams in domestic football.

The partnership between Ouaddou and Ncikazi was particularly successful last season, when Pirates secured a historic treble comprising the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout titles.

That achievement makes the speculation surrounding the assistant coach's future even more significant, considering the importance of continuity within a successful technical team.

Meanwhile, Golden Arrows have also been mentioned in connection with Ncikazi. He previously guided the Durban-based side to a fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 league campaign, strengthening his reputation as a coach familiar with the club.

However, the reported links should not be interpreted as confirmation that a move is imminent.

Golden Arrows situation adds intrigue

Golden Arrows are also facing questions about their current form, with head coach Pitso Dladla reportedly under pressure following a difficult run of results.

The situation has added another dimension to the speculation, although Arrows have played down the links involving Ncikazi.

For now, Ouaddou's message is clear: Pirates are focused on their football, and Ncikazi is recovering from surgery.

Whether the rumours eventually lead to a major development remains to be seen, but the Buccaneers' coach has made his position clear as attention turns to the club's next challenge.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2113239201621688586