Lamontville Golden Arrows have parted ways with head coach Pitso Dladla with immediate effect and confirmed the return of Mandla Ncikazi as the club’s new head coach.

The Durban-based outfit announced the changes on Thursday, 22 October 2026, bringing an end to Dladla’s tenure at the club while welcoming back a familiar face to lead Abafana Bes’thende.

In a statement, Golden Arrows confirmed that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Dladla, thanking him for his efforts, commitment and dedication during his time at the club.

The club subsequently announced Ncikazi’s return, describing him as a proud son of the club who understands its culture and traditions.

Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club is delighted to welcome back Coach Mandla Ncikazi, who returns to Abafana Bes’thende to ta

Ncikazi brings experience and familiarity with the club, having previously been associated with Golden Arrows before moving on to other coaching roles, including his position as assistant coach at Orlando Pirates.

His return marks a new chapter for the KwaZulu-Natal side, who will be hoping his knowledge of the club and experience in South African football can help them achieve their objectives for the remainder of the season.

The announcement also brings a swift end to speculation surrounding Ncikazi’s next move after Orlando Pirates confirmed his departure from the assistant coaching position earlier in the day.

Golden Arrows will now look to regroup under their returning coach as they seek greater consistency and positive results in the Betway Premiership.

For Ncikazi, the task will be to make an immediate impact at a club where he is already familiar with the environment, expectations and traditions.

Abafana Bes’thende have welcomed their son home, and the next chapter begins.

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