Orlando Pirates have confirmed the immediate departure of their assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who becomes head coach of Lamontville Golden Arrows. The exit comes just after a public denial from Abdeslam Ouaddou and only hours before the return leg against African Stars.
The timing is bound to raise eyebrows. Orlando Pirates have confirmed the immediate departure of their assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who has signed on as head coach of Lamontville Golden Arrows, according to Foot Africa. The announcement lands just hours before the decisive CAF Champions League second preliminary round return leg against African Stars, scheduled for this Friday evening at Orlando Stadium.
The 57-year-old ends a five-season spell with the Pirates, during which he won a total of 9 major trophies. He takes over the Golden Arrows bench from Pitso Dladla. At Pirates, his exit above all leaves open the question of his relationship with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, just after the Moroccan’s public denial.
A denial followed by an immediate exit
Abdeslam Ouaddou had denied any internal dispute at his press conference, according to Foot Africa. Internal reports had nevertheless spoken of an ultimatum set by the Moroccan over Ncikazi’s presence on his bench.
The departure confirmed shortly after that denial fuels questions, without making it possible to establish that the assistant was pushed towards the exit.
Five seasons and nine trophies
Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza was keen to pay tribute to the departing man. “Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates was clear throughout his time with us. We respect his wish to pursue this opportunity,” he said, as quoted by Foot Africa.
In five seasons with the Pirates, Mandla Ncikazi won 9 major trophies. At Golden Arrows, he becomes head coach, succeeding Pitso Dladla.
So it is without their assistant that Abdeslam Ouaddou’s staff approach the most immediate fixture: the CAF Champions League second preliminary round return leg against African Stars, this Friday evening at Orlando Stadium.