The 57-year-old tactician has returned to Abafana Bes'thende, where he previously enjoyed success, after deciding that his time with the Buccaneers had reached a natural conclusion.
Ncikazi, who joined Pirates from Arrows in 2021, believes he had achieved everything he could at the Soweto giants and wanted to take on a different challenge rather than remain in a comfortable environment.
"I thought with gratitude, where I'm coming from, I think I achieved everything as a coach. I'm grateful to the big institution and all the memories," said Ncikazi, as quoted by iDiski Times.
The experienced coach explained that his decision was also influenced by his desire to work with younger footballers and continue pushing himself professionally.
"I thank the supporters for sharing such memories with them. Then your next phase, after you have won everything, now as a coach, maybe [go for] a different challenge. Let me go back, work with young players, challenge myself.
"I don't want to retire as a coach, not having the stress that I have today. I thought it was an opportunity for me when Arrows gave me the opportunity. I said the club is still very close to my heart."
Ncikazi previously helped Arrows achieve some of their best results, and the connection he developed with the club made the return an attractive opportunity.
"The highest position that Arrows ever achieved was in my presence. We broke almost lots of records, maybe that crave was still there."
Meanwhile, Ncikazi admitted that his latest assignment comes with immediate pressure, as the team have limited time to prepare between fixtures.
"Now we have a challenge right now. At the time when I started, I had the time. Right now, there's not too much time. We have another game on Tuesday. So we want to train certain aspects, but we are playing games. But that's the responsibility of a coach."
Ncikazi tasted his first defeat since his return to Arrows when they lost 1-0 to AmaZulu FC in the KwaZulu-Natal derby at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday.
AmaZulu recorded a fifth consecutive victory in the Betway Premiership after defeating KZN rivals Golden Arrows while Chippa United and Kruger United also picked up wins on Saturday.
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane wants another statement performance from his side when they face KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership derby at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to battle the same sides they knocked out of the MTN8 following the Carling Knockout quarter-finals draw on Wednesday.
Golden Arrows assistant coach Ashley Makhanya believes Mandla Ncikazi's return to the club will provide valuable experience and knowledge, following the coach's successful spell at Orlando Pirates.
