Mandla Ncikazi leaves Orlando Pirates to take up PSL head coach role

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi, who is set to take up a head coach position at another club in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The club announced on Thursday that Ncikazi had expressed his desire to pursue an opportunity to lead a team again during discussions with management earlier in the day.

Pirates said they had given the experienced coach their blessing as he prepares for his next chapter in football.

Ncikazi leaves the Buccaneers with nine trophies earned during his time as part of the club’s technical team, where he served predominantly as assistant coach, including a brief spell as co-coach in 2025.

Club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza thanked Ncikazi for his contribution, saying the club respected his ambition to return to a head coaching role.

“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,” Khoza said.

The departure marks a new opportunity for Ncikazi to lead a team, having been part of the Pirates technical setup during a period in which the club enjoyed trophy success.

Pirates said Ncikazi also took the opportunity to acknowledge the people he worked alongside during his time at the club.