Reports reveal a deep rift between Abdeslam Ouaddou and Mandla Ncikazi at Orlando Pirates.

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Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi could reportedly leave the club after clashing with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in recent weeks.

This has emerged following reports that Ncikazi, who has recovered from a knee injury that required sick leave at the start of the season, has been unable to return to the club and the dugout due to friction with Ouaddou.

While the details surrounding the alleged fallout remain undisclosed, reports further state that Ouaddou has threatened to leave the club if Ncikazi returns to his post, IOL Sport has reliably learnt.

The news comes as a shock to the South African football fraternity given that Ncikazi and Ouaddou previously appeared to enjoy a strong partnership, bringing complementary dynamics to the team. While Ouaddou offered tough love to the players, Ncikazi served as a mediator who provided calm and harmony.

The duo relied on each other’s strengths. Ncikazi has spent his entire career in South African football and has been at Pirates for several years, making his experience invaluable to Ouaddou, who has been in the PSL for under two full seasons and at Pirates for nearly a season and a half.

Their strong relationship was on display after winning the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns, where Ouaddou was seen kissing Ncikazi on the forehead.

“Football and sport reflect the society that we come from. One thing that I've picked up from the coach is that first, before a coach, he's a great human being. He understands that he's African. He respects African people,” Ouaddou previously said of the kiss.

“There's his statement where he says he will use the expertise that he finds in the club. Very few coaches do that. We don't trust each other – we are always scared of being stabbed in the back. Only a confident and good human being can do that. That gesture showed that in whatever we do together, he appreciates recognizing the people around him.”

Together, they led the club to remarkable success last season, securing a record-extending fourth MTN8 title, their first league championship in 14 years, and their first Carling Knockout trophy since its rebranding four seasons ago.

However, during Ncikazi's absence, Ouaddou has been working alongside Rayaan Jacobs. While they managed to lead the team to another MTN8 final, they fell short against Sundowns. 

The Buccaneers will now look to secure their spot in the CAF Champions League group stage on Friday night against African Stars at Orlando Stadium, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Whether Ncikazi will finally resume his duties remains to be seen.