Orlando Pirates News Today: Ncikazi on fallout with Ouaddou, Bucs beat Chiefs again! And more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Ncikazi on fallout with Ouaddou, Bucs beat Chiefs again! And more

The latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including Mandla Ncikazi opening up about fallout with Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Sea Robbers beat Kaizer Chiefs again, and more.

Pirates latest news as they break

Ncikazi on fallout with Ouaddou

Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has broken his silence on the alleged fallout with Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou before his departure from the Buccaneers.

Before leaving the Soweto giants, reports alleged that Ncikazi had a major fallout with Ouaddou. The 57-year-old has finally addressed those reports, insisting he will never publicly criticise his former employers.

“Guys, for the future, as a principle, and as a man of my age, yu don’t talk ill of your former employer because you offend them. Equally the same, when I start talking about my former employers, I’m offending my current employer. Every house has got a toilet; as a man, you don’t have the responsibility of telling every family that there are challenges in your family,” Ncikazi told the media.

“I’m just a man; even if there was a problem, you are not going to know because I’m a man. I have a responsibility to protect the environment that I work for.

“In every club that I worked for, there are issues, but I don’t publicly speak about them. As a coach, you are the CEO of the company, so protect the environment.”

Mandla Ncikazi and Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates
Mandla Ncikazi and Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

The KZN-based outfit turned to Ncikazi to steady the ship following an inconsistent start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. Arrows had struggled to secure positive results under Pitso Dladla, who was shown the exit door just three months after taking over the reins from Manqoba Mngqithi during the off-season.

After replacing Dladla, Ncikazi made an immediate impact, guiding Arrows to a resounding 4-0 victory over Chippa United in the Carling Cup Round of 16. However, following that cup triumph over Chippa, Ncikazi suffered a league defeat to AmaZulu FC before falling short against Sundowns in the CKO.

Bucs win another battle vs Chiefs

Orlando Pirates have claimed another bragging right over Kaizer Chiefs after moving ahead of their Soweto rivals in total social media followers.

A comparison of their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X accounts shows Pirates have approximately 10.9 million followers, compared to Chiefs’ 10.44 million.

Amakhosi remain ahead on Facebook, where they have 5.9 million followers compared to Pirates’ 5.6 million. Chiefs also lead on X with 3.1 million, while the Buccaneers have 2.1 million.

The two clubs are level on Instagram with 1.2 million followers each. However, Pirates’ advantage on TikTok makes the difference, with the Soweto giants boasting two million followers on the platform, compared to Chiefs’ 244,300.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Image: Betway ZA

That gives the Sea Robbers an overall lead of approximately 455,700 followers over their bitter rivals.

Dlamini shining behind the scenes?

Despite having yet to feature for Orlando Pirates this season, midfielder Kabelo Dlamini is understood to have earned praise for his hard work and commitment behind the scenes.

The experienced midfielder has been working in training while hoping to earn an opportunity in head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team, with close sources indicating that his attitude and application have not gone unnoticed.

Dlamini, who has been working his way back following a lengthy injury lay-off, is understood to remain focused on making himself available whenever the opportunity arises.

While he is yet to make his competitive appearance in the current campaign, the midfielder’s experience and qualities could still offer Pirates another option as the season progresses.

Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates.
Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

For now, the 30-year-old will have to continue working towards earning the trust of the technical team, with competition for places remaining strong at the Soweto giants.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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