A contradiction that sparks controversy.. Orlando Pirates ousts Ouaddou's assistant despite the denial of disputes

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi who has returned to Golden Arrows as head coach, just hours after Abdeslam Ouaddou publicly dismissed reports of a serious disagreement between the pair.

The South African champions announced Ncikazi's departure on Thursday 22 October bringing an end to his five year association with the Soweto giants.

The decision followed growing speculation about the relationship between the experienced South African coach and Moroccan tactician Ouaddou, with reports suggesting that tensions had developed within the technical team.

However, Pirates insisted that Ncikazi had requested permission to pursue a head coaching opportunity elsewhere, with chairman Irvin Khoza approving his departure.

Golden Arrows subsequently confirmed his appointment as their new head coach, replacing Pitso Dladla.

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Orlando Pirates confirm Mandla Ncikazi's departure

In an official statement released on 22 October, Orlando Pirates explained that Ncikazi had informed management of his desire to return to a leading coaching position.

The club confirmed that discussions had taken place earlier that morning before an agreement was reached.

Ncikazi leaves Pirates having contributed to nine trophies during his time with the technical staff.

He joined the club in June 2021 and worked in various capacities, including a spell as co coach before serving as an assistant under José Riveiro and later Ouaddou.

Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza thanked the departing coach for his contribution.

"Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing" Khoza said.

The chairman also stressed that the club respected Ncikazi's ambition to take on another head coaching challenge.

The official announcement made no reference to a dispute with Ouaddou.

Did Abdeslam Ouaddou demand Ncikazi's departure?

The timing of the announcement attracted attention because of reports suggesting that the relationship between the two coaches had deteriorated.

According to South African publication Sportswire, Ouaddou had allegedly informed Orlando Pirates management that he no longer wanted Ncikazi working alongside him.

The report, published on 20 October claimed that the Moroccan coach had threatened to resign if his assistant returned to the technical bench.

However, those allegations have not been independently confirmed.

Speaking during Thursday's pre match press conference, Ouaddou firmly rejected suggestions of problems within the coaching staff.

"We read many things about that, everything is okay in our club, the environment is okay, so people must not start to create any problems" the Moroccan coach said.

Ouaddou explained that Ncikazi's recent absence had been related to his recovery from knee surgery.

He also questioned the reports concerning their relationship, insisting that the media should not invent problems.

The subsequent announcement of Ncikazi's departure came only hours after those comments.

Nevertheless, neither coach nor the club has officially attributed the separation to a personal or professional disagreement.

Mandla Ncikazi returns to Golden Arrows as head coach

Ncikazi's next destination has already been confirmed.

Golden Arrows announced his return on Thursday following their decision to part ways with Pitso Dladla.

The appointment marks a reunion with a club where Ncikazi previously enjoyed considerable success.

During the 2020 /21 season, he guided Golden Arrows to fourth place in the South African Premiership, one of the club's strongest league finishes.

His familiarity with the organisation and experience at Orlando Pirates will now be important as he attempts to improve the KwaZulu Natal club's performances.

As Foot Africa confirmed following his appointment at Golden Arrows, Ncikazi replaces Dladla ahead of a demanding domestic schedule.

Golden Arrows are preparing to face Chippa United in the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday 24 October.

The appointment also represents another managerial change in South African football, with Ncikazi returning to a position he has previously occupied successfully.

What does Ncikazi's exit mean for Orlando Pirates?

The departure creates a vacancy in Ouaddou's technical team at an important stage of the season.

When the Moroccan was appointed Orlando Pirates head coach in June 2025, Ncikazi was retained as part of the coaching structure alongside Rayaan Jacobs.

Jacobs has since worked closely with Ouaddou during Ncikazi's recent absence.

Pirates have not announced whether a permanent replacement will be appointed.

The timing is particularly significant because the club are preparing for a decisive CAF Champions League encounter.

CAF Champions League challenge awaits Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates host Namibia's African Stars on Friday 23 October, in the second leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.

The South African champions hold a 1-0 advantage after Tshepang Moremi scored the winner in the opening encounter in Gaborone.

A place in the group stage is now at stake.

As Foot Africa reported ahead of the return fixture, African Stars coach Gerald Guther believes his side can still overturn the deficit.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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