Ouaddou Calls for Assistant Ncikazi’s Departure

October 20, 2026 sportnow According to Sportswire, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdelsam Ouaddou has reportedly emerged victorious in an internal power battle, which may lead to assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi’s possible exit from the club. Sources close to Sportswire indicate that Ouaddou expressed to the club’s leadership his desire to remove Ncikazi from his technical staff, even threatening to resign if this issue was not addressed.

“He has been very clear that he does not want Ncikazi by his side. He has made it known that if Ncikazi stays, he will resign,” disclosed a club insider.

In recent weeks, Ncikazi has been notably missing from the Pirates’ bench. Initially, the club explained this absence as a result of medical leave following emergency knee surgery during pre-season, after which he faced ongoing pain and mobility challenges while using crutches.

However, inside sources have reportedly suggested that Ncikazi has recovered fully from the knee operation. His ongoing absence appears to be a consequence of Ouaddou’s discontent with his presence on the coaching staff.

Sportswire has sought comments from both Orlando Pirates and Ncikazi regarding this matter.

Ncikazi joined the Buccaneers prior to the 2021/22 season after leaving Golden Arrows, where he led the team to a franchise-best fourth-place finish in the Betway Premiership.

Despite operating under a limited budget, his achievements during that season earned him a nomination for the PSL Coach of the Season award, which went to AmaZulu’s Benni McCarthy.

Upon his arrival at Orlando Amstel Arena, Ncikazi was appointed as assistant coach alongside Fadlu Davids to support then-head coach Josef Zinnabauer.

After Zinnabauer’s resignation following an unexpected quarter-final loss in the MTN8 to Moroka Swallows, Ncikazi and Davids took on the roles of co-caretaker coaches.

The pair notably guided Pirates to the CAF Confederation Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Moroccan side RSB Berkane in a penalty shootout in Uyo, Nigeria, prompting a shift in the technical staff.

With the appointment of Jose Riveiro ahead of the 2022/23 season, Davids departed, while Ncikazi remained part of the Spanish coach’s backroom team.

Ncikazi worked under Riveiro for three successful years before the Spaniard departed prior to the end of the 2024/25 season, having won five major trophies, to take over at Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

When Ouaddou took charge at the start of the last season, Ncikazi was retained to maintain continuity and ensure a seamless transition. Ouaddou’s treble-winning season culminated with Pirates lifting the Betway Premiership title for the first time in 14 years.

Throughout the season, Ouaddou consistently praised Ncikazi’s invaluable expertise and local tactical knowledge, highlighting how important it was to have an experienced local voice alongside him since he did not bring his own coaching staff.

In moments of shared victory—including clinching the Carling Knockout trophy and securing the league title against Orbit College—a delighted Ouaddou even kissed Ncikazi on the forehead to show his appreciation.