Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Benson Mhlongo believes Mandla Ncikazi will return to coach the Soweto giants one day, despite his departure from the club.

Mhlongo has described Ncikazi’s exit as a temporary development, expressing confidence that the experienced coach could eventually find his way back to the Buccaneers because of his connection with the club and his experience in South African football.

The former Pirates assistant coach shared his belief that Ncikazi’s departure does not necessarily mark the end of his relationship with the club, suggesting that there could be another opportunity for him to work with the Soweto giants in the future.

“ Ncikazi will come back to coach Pirates one day,” Mhlongo said.

Ncikazi previously served as part of Orlando Pirates’ technical team, where he worked alongside other coaches in managing the first team and pursuing the club’s ambitions in domestic competitions.

His time at the club placed him within one of the most demanding environments in South African football, where expectations from supporters remain high and results are closely scrutinised.

Orlando Pirates are among the country’s most recognised football clubs, with a large supporter base and a long history of competing for major domestic honours. As a result, coaching positions at the club often come with significant pressure to deliver consistent performances and trophies.

Ncikazi’s experience with Pirates has contributed to his profile in South African football, and Mhlongo’s comments suggest that he believes the coach still has a future role to play at the club.

Mhlongo, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Pirates, is familiar with the demands of the club and the challenges involved in operating within its technical structure. His assessment reflects his confidence that Ncikazi’s departure should not be viewed as a permanent separation.

However, a potential return would depend on several factors, including the club’s future coaching requirements, its technical direction and whether both parties consider another working relationship appropriate.

Football clubs frequently make changes to their technical teams as they pursue different objectives, but such departures do not always rule out future reunions. Coaches may return when circumstances change and their experience matches the club’s needs.

For Pirates supporters, the possibility of Ncikazi returning could generate discussion about the club’s coaching future and the long-term relationships between former technical team members and the institution.

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