Orlando Pirates Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi Leaves Club for PSL Head Coach Role
- Orlando Pirates confirmed that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi departed the club on 22 October 2026 to pursue a head coaching opportunity in the PSL
- Ncikazi leaves having been part of a technical team that collected 9 trophies during his time at the Buccaneers
- Club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza publicly acknowledged Ncikazi's ambitions and sent him off with the club's blessing
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JOHANNESBURG — Orlando Pirates Football Club announced on 22 October 2026 that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has left the club to take up a head-coaching position at another Premier Soccer League side.
The departure followed a discussion between Ncikazi and club management earlier that morning, during which he made clear his desire to lead a team in his own right. Pirates confirmed it had granted him permission to do so.
Ncikazi leaves with 9 trophies
During his tenure at Orlando Pirates, Ncikazi formed part of a technical team that claimed nine trophies. He served primarily in an assistant coaching capacity, with a brief period as co-coach during 2025. The club's statement noted that he represented the Buccaneers with distinction throughout his time at Mayfair.
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Club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza paid tribute to the outgoing coach and acknowledged the ambition that drove his decision to move on.
"Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us. We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility," Dr Khoza said.
What comes next for the departing Pirates coach?
The club confirmed that Ncikazi will take charge of another PSL side, but it did not name his next destination.
His departure follows his request to pursue a head-coaching opportunity, signalling a return to a leadership role after predominantly serving in assistant coaching roles at Pirates.
For Orlando Pirates, the announcement ends Ncikazi’s time on the technical team as the coach prepares for a fresh challenge in South African football.
Orlando Pirates coach explains Sipho Chaine’s importance to the team
Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had explained why goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is an essential part of his tactical system.
Ouaddou highlighted the importance of having leaders throughout the team, identifying the goalkeeper, central defenders and key attacking players as part of the team’s spine.
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Source: Briefly News
