Irvin Khoza Bids Emotional Farewell as Mandla Ncikazi Officially Exits Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has issued a heartfelt farewell message to Mandla Ncikazi following the assistant coach’s confirmed departure from the Soweto giants to take up a head coaching role at Lamontville Golden Arrows . The exit brings an end to a five-year association during which Ncikazi formed part of a technical team that collected nine trophies, including four consecutive MTN8 titles and the Betway Premiership championship .

Khoza, known for his measured public statements, struck a tone of genuine appreciation and goodwill in announcing the departure. “Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing,” the chairman said in the club’s official statement. “His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us. We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility” . While social media headlines suggested Khoza “broke down,” the official record reflects a dignified and respectful send-off rather than any display of raw emotion.

Ncikazi’s tenure at Mayfair was marked by significant achievement and adaptability. He joined from Golden Arrows in June 2021 and initially worked alongside Fadlu Davids, guiding Pirates to the CAF Confederation Cup final in 2022, where they lost to RS Berkane on penalties . Following Davids’ departure, Ncikazi continued under Jose Riveiro and then Abdeslam Ouaddou, briefly serving as co-coach in 2025 . His departure was formally confirmed after he expressed a desire to return to head coaching, a wish the club chose to honour rather than obstruct.

The timing of the announcement drew attention given that it came just hours after Ouaddou publicly dismissed speculation of a rift between himself and Ncikazi. The head coach attributed Ncikazi’s recent absence from the bench to recovery from knee surgery, insisting the environment at the club was “okay” . Regardless of the rumours, the official narrative from Pirates remained consistent: Ncikazi sought a lead role, and the club respected his ambition.

For Ncikazi, the move represents a return to familiar territory at Golden Arrows, where he previously built his reputation before joining the Buccaneers . He leaves Orlando Pirates with a decorated CV and the goodwill of the club’s leadership. As the Buccaneers turn their attention to the technical team’s reshaping under Ouaddou, Khoza’s farewell stands as a recognition of service rendered with distinction during a successful chapter in the club’s recent history .

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2113503182588440706