What is next for Golden Arrows and coach Ncikazi?

THE South African football fraternity was surprised on Wednesday after it emerged that Mandla Ncikazi had parted ways with Golden Arrows.

The 52-year-old was one of the top-performing coaches domestically last season as he led Abafana Bes’thende to a fourth place league finish with some even feeling that he should have been awarded the DStv Premiership Coach of the Season gong.

Ncikazi’s performance last season was especially impressive considering that his squad was far from being the most experienced and he worked with limited resources in comparison to the so-called “big three” of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

For much of the past season, Arrows looked on course to secure a historic berth in continental competition.

A late resurgence from Orlando Pirates led to the Durban-based club finishing fourth and ultimately missing out on continental competition.

As a result of his tactical nous last season, Ncikazi has become one of the most respected and admired local coaches and it is no surprise that he has since been linked with a potential move to Orlando Pirates, which could see him reuniting with former Maritzburg United colleague Fadlu Davids.

It’s unlikely that Ncikazi will be unemployed for long as rival clubs will definitely want to use his tactical skill. However, questions do remain regarding whether Ncikazi is ready to take charge at a big club.

In football, there are some coaches who are better suited to working with teams with limited resources like English Premier League boss David Moyes who failed with Manchester United but exceeded expectations with the likes of Everton and West Ham.

Locally, some believe that Gavin Hunt also fits into this category.

Hunt surpassed expectations during his lengthy spells with SuperSport United and Wits but was underwhelming at Kaizer Chiefs last season.

Whoever ends up succeeding Ncikazi at Arrows will have big shoes to fill. Should the next coach fail to get the most out of a squad which is not the most gifted technically as Ncikazi did, things can easily go pearshaped for the club.

Arrows will also need to be considered in their approach when appointing their next coach as it should be someone who has a proven ability to get the most out of working with players who may not be on the same level technically as the “big three”.