Orlando Pirates about to lose coach? PSL rivals eye Bucs’ mentor

Orlando Pirates could lose one of their longest-serving coaches following reports that he is wanted by a Premier Soccer League club.

Pirates are enjoying another good season under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is assisted by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs and Mxolisi Mngomezulu.

However, according to latest reports, Ncikazi has emerged as a strong candidate for the Golden Arrows job.

Following a performance review for the season so far, Arrows coach Pitso Dladla is staring at a potential dismissal as his side have won just one league match from the first eight, leaving them eighth on the standings with as many points.

Pirates coach top on Arrows’ wish list

That is believed not to have impressed the club hierarchy who fear a top eight finish could be difficult and are mulling the possibility of changing coaches.

According to SoccerBeat, Arrows are looking at potential candidates to replace Dladla and Ncikazi’s name is featuring prominently.

“SoccerBeat understands that Pitso Dladla’s position at Golden Arrows is under review after just one win in eight games in the league,” reads a social media post from SoccerBeat.

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆! 🏹

SoccerBeat understands that Pitso Dladla’s position at Golden Arrows is under review after just one win in eight games in the league. ⏳

Mandla Ncikazi is understood to be at the top of a shortlist of potential replacements. 😮@Joshua_Journo… pic.twitter.com/61ecaDiQdW

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) October 20, 2026

“Mandla Ncikazi is understood to be at the top of a shortlist of potential replacements.”

Ncikazi has extensive experience  

Ncikazi has been part of the Pirates coaching setup since 2021, when he was head coach until 2022, before becoming assistant to Jose Riveiro in 2022 until the Spanish mentor left in 2025 and then continued the role when Ouddou took over in July last year.

The 57-year-old would not be new to Arrows as he previously coached Abafana Besthende between 2020 and 2021 before joining Pirates.

Ncikazi just returned to the Pirates dugout this month, having missed the first few games of the season following a knee procedure carried out during pre-season.