Mandla Ncikazi has explained why he decided to leave Orlando Pirates and return to Golden Arrows, bringing an end to his five-year spell with the Soweto giants. The experienced coach believes he had achieved everything he could at Pirates and felt it was the right time to take on a different challenge in his coaching career.

Ncikazi joined Pirates from Golden Arrows in 2021 and became part of the club's technical team. However, his absence from the Pirates bench during the early stages of the current campaign raised questions among supporters. The club later confirmed that he had undergone knee surgery.

After spending five years at the Soweto club, Ncikazi has now returned to Abafana Bes’thende, where he is looking forward to another opportunity to make an impact. He explained that his decision was not because he had lost appreciation for Pirates, but because he wanted to challenge himself in a new environment and work with younger players.

“I thought with gratitude, where I’m coming from, I think I achieved everything as a coach. I’m grateful to the big institution and all the memories,” said Ncikazi.

The coach also thanked the Pirates supporters for the memories they shared during his time at the club. He explained that after achieving so much, he felt it was important to find a new challenge rather than remain in the same environment.

“I thank the supporters for sharing such memories with them. Then your next phase, after you have won everything, now as a coach, maybe \[go for\] a different challenge. Let me go back, work with young players, challenge myself,” he added.

Ncikazi made it clear that he is not ready to retire from coaching. Instead, he wants to continue working under pressure and remain involved in the game. He also explained that Golden Arrows remains a special club to him because of what he achieved during his previous spell there.

“I don’t want to retire as a coach, not having the stress that I have today. I thought it was an opportunity for me when Arrows gave me the opportunity. I said the club is still very close to my heart,” he explained.

He also recalled the achievements he enjoyed during his previous time at Arrows, including helping the club reach its highest position in its history. Those memories played a part in his decision to return.

“The highest position that Arrows ever achieved was in my presence. We broke almost lots of records, maybe that crave was still there,” said Ncikazi.

Meanwhile, the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs continues to attract attention following the controversial opening goal scored by the Buccaneers. Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has claimed that Orlando Pirates' first goal in the Soweto Derby should have been disallowed for offside. An image circulating on social media appears to support the claim, showing a Pirates attacker beyond the offside line as the move developed. Pirates went on to win 2-1 at a sold-out FNB Stadium, moving to the top of the table. The comments from Itumeleng Khune have reignited debate among Chiefs and Pirates supporters about the standard of officiating, and a reaction from match officials may follow.

Ncikazi, however, will now have to concentrate on his responsibilities at Golden Arrows. He admitted that the demands of the job are immediate, with matches coming quickly and limited time available to work on the team's weaknesses.

“Now we have a challenge right now. At the time when I started, I had the time. Right now, there’s not too much time. We have another game on Tuesday. So we want to train certain aspects, but we are playing games. But that’s the responsibility of a coach,” he said.

His return gives him an opportunity to build on the relationship he already has with Golden Arrows. After leaving Pirates with gratitude for his time at the club, Ncikazi will be hoping to make another positive contribution at a team that clearly remains close to his heart.

Source: IDiskiTimes