Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Mandla Ncikazi has joined the club’s technical team following his departure from Abafana Bes’thende on Wednesday.

Ncikazi enjoyed a highly successful season at Arrows, but things behind the scenes may not have been so rosy as the Natal club and the coach parted ways.

Reports then almost immediately started linking the 52-year-old with the Sea Robbers despite people at the club denying the reports.

However, the Soweto giants put an end to the speculation when they announced Ncikazi’s appointment on a three-year deal though not confirming in which role in their technical team.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandla Ncikazi,” Pirates confirmed in their statement on the club’s official website.

“The 52-year old joins the Bucs technical team department on a three year deal,” confirmed the Buccaneers.

The nominee for the Coach of the Season award for the 2020/21 DStv Premiership campaign is looking forward to getting started in his new role at the Soweto giants.

“I am pleased to be here and look forward to getting started,” said the coach, as quoted on the club’s website.

Meanwhile, Pirates confirmed that their technical team and players are scheduled to start pre-season on July 01.