Orlando Pirates Confirm Mandla Ncikazi Exit as Coach Takes Up PSL Opportunity
Orlando Pirates have confirmed a major change to their technical team following the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who has accepted an opportunity to become head coach of another Premier Soccer League (PSL) club.
The Buccaneers announced that Ncikazi’s exit was finalised after discussions with club management, during which the experienced coach expressed his desire to return to a leading role on the touchline. Pirates subsequently granted him permission to pursue the opportunity.
In an official statement, the club confirmed that Ncikazi would be leaving his position as assistant coach to take up a head coaching role elsewhere in the PSL.
“The move follows discussions with management this morning in which Mr Ncikazi expressed his wish to pursue the opportunity to lead a team again. The Club has given him its blessing to do so.”
Ncikazi leaves Orlando Pirates after being part of one of the club’s most successful recent periods. During his time with the Buccaneers, he played a key role within the technical team and contributed to multiple trophy-winning campaigns.
“Mr Ncikazi departs with 9 trophies earned as part of the Pirates technical team, where he served predominantly as Assistant Coach, including a brief spell as co-coach in 2025. Throughout this period he represented the Club with distinction.”
The club also revealed that the departure provides an opportunity for Ncikazi to reflect on the relationships and experiences he built during his spell at Pirates.
“For Ncikazi, the departure is also an opportunity to acknowledge the people with whom he shared his time at Pirates.”
Club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza paid tribute to Ncikazi’s contribution and praised his commitment to the club over the years while supporting his decision to seek a new challenge.
“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.”
The departure marks the end of an important chapter for both Pirates and Ncikazi. While the Buccaneers prepare to continue their campaign with a reshaped technical team, the highly regarded coach now embarks on a new journey as he returns to the role of head coach in South African football.