Ncikazi: Orlando Pirates confirm appointment of former Golden Arrows coach

Orlando Pirates have announced the appointment of former Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi.

The Hlokozi-born tactician parted ways with Arrows on Wednesday despite having enjoyed a successful 2020/21 season with the KwaZulu-Natal side. 

Ncikazi was then linked with Chippa United, who are currently preparing for the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs, but he has since joined the Buccaneers. 

Pirates have confirmed the addition of Ncikazi to their technical team on a three-year contract: 

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandla Ncikazi," a club statement read. 

"The 52-year old joins the Bucs technical team department on a three-year deal."

Ncikazi was at the helm at Arrows as they achieved their highest ever finish in the PSL last season with Abafana Bes'thende securing a fourth spot finish. 

The retired defender is happy to have joined the Soweto giants where will form part of a technical team which is led by head coach Josef Zinnbauer. 

“I am pleased to be here and look forward to getting started,” Ncikazi said on the club's official website. 

Ncikazi is expected to work with former Maritzburg United head coach Fadlu Davids as Zinnbauer's two assistants at the Soweto giants.

The site also revealed that the team will start its pre-season training next month as they prepare for the new 2021/22 campaign. 

"Orlando Pirates technical team and players are scheduled to start pre-season on July 1," another statement read.

Ncikazi transformed Arrows into top three hopefuls during the recent campaign as Arrows competed with Pirates, AmaZulu FC, and Mamelodi Sundowns for Caf inter-club spots after replacing Steve Komphela as the head coach in October 2020.

The former AmaZulu player has also held roles as an assistant coach at African Wanderers, Durban Stars, Polokwane City, Free State Stars, Maritzburg United and the South African women's team.

Maritzburg handed Ncikazi the opportunity to be the head coach in the PSL in July 2015 following the departure of his long-time friend Komphela, who had joined Kaizer Chiefs.

However, Ncikazi was dismissed by the Team of Chiefs just two months into the 2015/16 season due to a poor run of results.