Ncikazi takes diplomatic approach to questions about his relationship with Ouaddou

Speaking to the media after their 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup, Ncikazi stuck to his stance when asked about the relationship. 

At the center of this were reports that the former Pirates assistant coach allegedly had a fallout with Ouaddou, with the former Moroccan international captain allegedly told management he doesn’t want to work with Ncikazi anymore. 

However, Pirates’ statement upon releasing him mentioned his desire to return to head coaching, and Ncikazi wasn’t about to contradict that last night...

"You don't talk ill about your former employer because you may offend them, and when I start to talk about my former employer then I can also offend my current employer. If you are a man you don't tell everybody about your challenges and I have a responsibility to protect my working environment. There have been issues at every club I've worked for, but I don't have the responsibility to reveal that publicly."

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It was Arrows' second loss in two matches last night, with Ncikazi on the bench, but they also faced two of the top-three sides, and the results were narrow.

The latest national call-up of Zimbabwean international midfielder Jonah Fabisch, who is yet to make his debut for Abafana Bafana since he joined in August, was another focus point last night. 

Fabisch, a key player for the Zimbabwean Warriors, has been named in the team to play in two consecutive matches against Equatorial Guinea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month. 

After losing to Sundowns, Ncikazi also responded to how they approached last night’s game, as they started to come alive offensively after conceding Iqraam Rayner’s goal midway through the second half...

"You have to box smart when you're up against Mamelodi Sundowns and you have to choose the areas carefully where you think you can hurt them. Does your quality always allow you to go 50-50 with them that is the question, but I felt we had half chances to score just like they did."