Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has finally addressed reports of a fallout with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his departure from the club.

Ncikazi left the Buccaneers last month to join Golden Arrows, bringing an end to his five-year association with the Soweto giants.

Following his departure, reports emerged suggesting that his exit may have been linked to a breakdown in his relationship with Ouaddou.

Speaking after Golden Arrows’ match against Mamelodi Sundowns, Ncikazi, however, refused to be drawn into the speculation, insisting that he had a responsibility to protect his former and current employers.

“Let me answer him. 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,” he told the media.

The experienced coach further explained that every football club has its challenges, but those issues should not necessarily be made public.

Ncikazi left Pirates last month

“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,” Ncikazi said.

He added that his experience at different clubs had taught him the importance of protecting the working environment, regardless of the challenges encountered.

“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.

Ncikazi spent five years at Orlando Pirates, where he was part of a technical team that won eight trophies with the Buccaneers.

Despite refusing to confirm or deny the alleged fallout with Ouaddou, his comments have offered insight into why he is choosing to remain silent about the circumstances surrounding his departure.