Mandla Ncikazi, a 57-year-old experienced coach, has rejoined Golden Arrows as their new head coach. Ncikazi had a successful five-year stint with Orlando Pirates, helping the team win nine trophies. He expressed his desire to return to coaching a team and take on new challenges, particularly working with younger players. Ncikazi's decision to leave Pirates was influenced by his wish to move away from the comfort zone and return to his roots.
Ncikazi's return to Golden Arrows marks a homecoming for the coach, who previously led the team to a historic fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 season. He believes that the success achieved during his previous tenure had a significant impact on his decision to rejoin the team. The prospect of continuing to build on that success remains an attractive proposition for Ncikazi. His experience and expertise are expected to bring stability to the team.
Ncikazi's coaching career has been marked by significant achievements, including his time at Orlando Pirates, where he worked as an assistant coach and briefly as an interim coach in 2025. His departure from Pirates was announced earlier this year, with the team citing his knee surgery as a reason for his absence from the bench. Ncikazi has expressed gratitude to Pirates and their fans for the memorable moments he experienced during his time with the team.
The new challenge at Golden Arrows is seen as an opportunity for Ncikazi to test himself in a different environment. He emphasized that he does not want to retire as a coach without having faced the kind of pressure he currently experiences. With his return to Golden Arrows, Ncikazi aims to develop the team's young players and bring stability to the team. His knowledge of the team and the league is expected to be an asset in this endeavor.
Ncikazi's appointment as head coach of Golden Arrows has generated significant interest among fans and pundits alike. His track record and experience are expected to have a positive impact on the team's performance. As he begins this new chapter in his coaching career, Ncikazi faces the task of improving the team's fortunes and achieving success.
The 2020/21 season remains a highlight of Ncikazi's previous tenure at Golden Arrows, where the team achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish. He believes that this success has left a lasting impact on the team and its supporters. Ncikazi's return is seen as an opportunity to build on that momentum and drive the team forward.
As Ncikazi settles into his new role, he will focus on developing the team's young players and implementing his coaching philosophy. With his experience and expertise, he is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the league and lead Golden Arrows to success. The team's supporters will be eager to see the impact of his return on the team's performance.
Key points
- Mandla Ncikazi returns to Golden Arrows as head coach, seeking new challenges and opportunities to develop young players.
