Isihlahla Asinyelwa Ncikazi Drops A Bombshell Message To Irvin Khoza After Shock Pirates Exit

NCIKAZI BREAKS SILENCE! Golden Arrows Coach Sends Powerful Message to Orlando Pirates After Shock Exit

Newly appointed Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has spoken publicly for the first time since leaving Orlando Pirates, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Soweto giants for the role they played in his development as a football coach.

Ncikazi’s departure from Pirates was confirmed on Thursday, 22 October 2026, bringing an end to more than five years of service at one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.

The experienced tactician has since returned to Golden Arrows, where he takes over from Pitso Dladla following the club’s decision to make changes to its technical team.

Speaking through Golden Arrows’ media platforms, Ncikazi reflected on his departure and emphasised the importance of maintaining professional relationships throughout his coaching career.

“It is predestination, and sometimes it helps. They say, ‘Isihlahla asinyelwa (Don’t burn your bridges).’ I wouldn’t have this opportunity if I were not the person that I am. Hence, I’m still grateful to my previous employers [Orlando Pirates] for the opportunity and growth, and the words of wisdom,” Ncikazi said.

His comments underline the appreciation he holds for Pirates despite moving on to a new challenge in the Betway Premiership.

The coach also expressed appreciation to Golden Arrows chairlady Mato Madlala for considering him when the club needed a new leader.

“I’m also grateful to our chairlady [Mato Madlala] for thinking about my name when she needed a coach,” he added.

Ncikazi has promised to work towards improving the team’s performances and restoring confidence among supporters.

“I’ll do my best to try and improve the product. I’m confident that we will be better than what we were yesterday,” he said.

His appointment represents a return to familiar surroundings, having previously worked at the KwaZulu-Natal club in different coaching capacities.

During his time at Orlando Pirates, Ncikazi contributed to a successful period for the club, winning nine trophies as part of the technical team.

Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza publicly thanked him for his service and supported his decision to return to a head coaching position.

Ncikazi now faces the challenge of improving Golden Arrows’ results after a difficult run of matches.

The coach has already expressed optimism about the attitude of the younger players, highlighting their willingness to learn and embrace new ideas.

For Ncikazi, the immediate priority is turning that enthusiasm into consistent performances on the pitch.

His return offers Golden Arrows an experienced leader who understands the club’s environment and has previously guided the team to a historic fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 league campaign.

As he begins this new chapter, Ncikazi’s message is clear: he intends to move forward without forgetting the people and institutions that helped shape his career.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2114658422100508798

Top-Headlines feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com