I Accomplished Everything — Mandla Ncikazi Finally Drops Bombshell On Shock Orlando Pirates Exit

NCIKAZI FINALLY REVEALS WHY HE LEFT ORLANDO PIRATES AFTER FIVE SUCCESSFUL YEARS

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has finally opened up about his decision to leave the Soweto giants, revealing that he felt he had accomplished everything possible during his five-year spell at the club.

The experienced tactician has brought an end to his association with the Buccaneers after joining them from Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2021. His departure marks the beginning of a new chapter, with the 57-year-old returning to Golden Arrows to take charge as head coach.

Ncikazi explained that his decision was not driven by dissatisfaction with Orlando Pirates but rather by his desire to pursue a fresh challenge and continue developing as a coach.

“I thought, with gratitude, where I’m coming from, I think I achieved everything as a coach. I’m grateful to the big institution and all the memories,” Ncikazi said.

During his time at Orlando Pirates, Ncikazi became an important member of the technical team, working predominantly as an assistant coach. He also had a brief spell as co-coach in 2025.

His contribution was significant, as he departed with nine trophies won as part of the Pirates technical setup. The Soweto giants also enjoyed memorable campaigns in domestic competitions and on the continental stage during his time at the club.

However, Ncikazi believes the opportunity to return to a leadership position was too important to ignore.

He explained that he wanted to challenge himself again, work with younger footballers and pass on the knowledge he had accumulated throughout his coaching journey.

The coach also made it clear that he does not want to reach retirement without continuing to experience the demands and responsibilities that come with being a head coach.

Golden Arrows remain particularly close to his heart, having previously guided the Durban-based club to a historic fourth-place finish in the Premier Soccer League during the 2020/21 campaign.

Ncikazi believes there is unfinished business at the club and hopes to build on the foundations established during his previous spell.

Meanwhile, he has acknowledged that his return comes with immediate challenges, particularly because the demanding fixture schedule leaves him with limited time to implement his football philosophy.

Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza previously confirmed that the club respected Ncikazi’s decision and wished him success.

His departure appears to have been an amicable one, with both parties acknowledging the contribution made during their successful partnership.

For Ncikazi, the message is clear: his journey at Pirates has reached its natural conclusion, but his ambitions in South African football remain far from over.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2117565010784170088

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