Golden Arrows have clarified speculation linking Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi with a return to the club, insisting Pitso Dladla remains coach.
Reports suggest Abafana Bes’thende are considering bringing Ncikazi back to Durban as they look to turn their fortunes around in the Betway Premiership.
The speculation comes amid a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign for Arrows, who have managed just one victory in their opening eight league matches. Abafana Bes’thende have collected eight points, leaving them eighth in the league standings.
Ncikazi has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate should the club decide to make a change in the technical department. The 57-year-old has considerable experience at Arrows, having spent more than 15 years associated with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
He also enjoyed a successful spell as head coach, guiding the club to a record fourth-place finish in the league during the 2020/21 season before leaving to join Pirates.
However, the club has played down the reports, with team manager Nonceba Madlala dismissing claims that discussions are taking place over Ncikazi’s possible return.
Speaking to KickOff on Wednesday morning, Madlala said Dladla remains responsible for leading the team.
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“We don’t know anything about Mandla Ncikazi coming to Arrows. I’m with the coach (Pitso Dladla) right now, and we are about to get into a technical (staff) meeting,” said Madlala.
Ncikazi has been part of the Pirates technical team for the past five seasons, working alongside the club’s head coaches.