Irvin Khoza Sends Emotional Farewell Message To Mandla Ncikazi After Pirates Exit

Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has sent a farewell message to Mandla Ncikazi following the coach’s departure from the club to take up a head coaching position at Golden Arrows.

Ncikazi’s exit brings an end to a spell with the Soweto giants that began in June 2021. During that time, he served in different coaching roles and became part of a technical team that helped Pirates secure several domestic trophies.

Confirming the club’s position, Khoza expressed gratitude for Ncikazi’s contribution and said the club respected his decision to pursue a new opportunity.

“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing,” Khoza told the Pirates media team.

“His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us. We respect his wish.”

Ncikazi’s departure follows his request to leave Pirates to pursue a head coaching role with another Premier Soccer League club. Golden Arrows have since appointed him as their new head coach, marking his return to a team he previously led.

Before his departure, there had been speculation about a possible disagreement between Ncikazi and Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Ouaddou dismissed rumours of a rift earlier on Thursday, before Pirates confirmed Ncikazi’s exit.

Ncikazi initially worked alongside Fadlu Davids during the 2021/22 season, when Pirates reached the CAF Confederation Cup final but lost to Morocco’s RS Berkane on penalties. Davids later left the club, while Ncikazi remained and subsequently served as an assistant to Jose Riveiro and then Ouaddou.

His time at Mayfair coincided with a successful period for Pirates, who won four consecutive MTN8 titles, two Nedbank Cups, the Carling Knockout, the Carling Black Label Cup and the Betway Premiership title.

The achievements form part of the record associated with Ncikazi’s time at the club and help explain why his departure has attracted attention among Pirates supporters.

For Ncikazi, the move to Golden Arrows offers an opportunity to lead a team as head coach once again. He returns to a familiar environment with the responsibility of improving the club’s performances.

Khoza’s message, meanwhile, signals Pirates’ acknowledgement of Ncikazi’s service and their acceptance of his decision to pursue the next stage of his coaching career.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2113300803008024631?s=46

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