Orlando Pirates assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi, has left the Soweto side after spending more than four seasons as a member of the Buccaneers technical team.
The 57-year-old Ncikazi’s departure was confirmed by the Soweto giants on Thursday afternoon.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club confirms that assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi will be leaving the club to take up the head coach position at a team in the Premier Soccer League,” a Pirates statement said.
“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 left Pirates after being part of the team that won nine trophies while he was part of their technical staff. He had a brief spell as a co-coach in 2025.
“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,” Pirates chairman, Irvin Khoza, said.
