Is Ncikazi Really the Villain? Unraveling the Truth Behind Orlando Pirates’ Losing Streak

The Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs, have found themselves in troubled waters early in the 2025/2026 Premier Soccer League season.

Two consecutive defeats—a 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United followed by a 2-1 heartbreak against Marumo Gallants—have left fans anxious and critics vocal.

In the midst of this turmoil, a question has been swirling among supporters and pundits alike: Who is coaching the Pirates now?

And more provocatively, is Fadlu Davids Ncikazi responsible for the team’s poor form?

To answer these questions, it’s crucial to separate fact from speculation.

Who is the Current Coach?

Despite some confusion and rumors, the current head coach of Orlando Pirates is Abdeslam Aadu.

He took charge ahead of the 2025/2026 season and has been at the helm during the recent matches.

This is confirmed by official statements and multiple interviews, including post-match comments where Aadu openly acknowledged the team’s disappointing start and tactical challenges.

Fadlu Davids Ncikazi, on the other hand, is not the current coach.

His tenure with the club ended prior to the start of this season.

While Ncikazi had his share of ups and downs during his time with the Pirates, he is no longer leading the team.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion partly arises because Ncikazi was a prominent figure at the club in recent years, and fans often associate coaching struggles with his name.

Additionally, social media and fan forums sometimes conflate past issues with current problems, fueling speculation.

But it’s important to recognize that coaching changes are common in football, especially when results don’t go a team’s way.

New leadership brings new tactics, new challenges, and sometimes a period of adjustment.

Is Ncikazi to Blame for the Current Losing Streak?

Given that Ncikazi is no longer coaching the Pirates, it would be incorrect to hold him responsible for the current losses.

The defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants occurred under Aadu’s watch.

Moreover, the issues highlighted by the current coach and club chairman suggest that the problems are multifaceted.

Tactical missteps, player performance inconsistencies, and perhaps even off-field distractions are all factors contributing to the Pirates’ struggles.

For example, after the Marumo Gallants loss, coach Abdeslam Aadu admitted the team started poorly and that his in-game substitutions failed to produce the desired impact.

This points to challenges in decision-making and squad management rather than lingering effects of a previous coach’s regime.

What Are the Real Problems?

Several key issues have emerged as the Pirates try to find their footing this season:

Tactical Instability: The team has struggled to maintain dominance throughout matches.Early leads have slipped away, and defensive lapses have been costly.
Player Focus and Professionalism: Former Pirates star Mark Mayella publicly criticized the current squad’s attitude, suggesting some players prioritize social media over serious football.This points to a possible lack of discipline and focus.
Psychological Pressure: Consecutive losses, especially in crucial moments like stoppage time, can erode player confidence and morale, creating a negative cycle.
Leadership and Strategy: The club’s chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, has expressed frustration and called for increased professionalism and personality within the team, indicating that leadership on and off the pitch needs strengthening.

The Role of the Current Coach

Abdeslam Aadu has a tough job.

Taking over a high-profile club with demanding fans and lofty expectations is never easy.

His admission of the team’s poor start and willingness to analyze and adjust shows a coach aware of the challenges.

However, early results suggest that Aadu must find ways to motivate the players, refine tactics, and restore confidence quickly.

The upcoming MTN8 semi-final against Mamello Sandals is a critical test—both for him and the team.

Why Blame is Misplaced

Blaming Ncikazi for current failures ignores the complexities of football management.

Coaches inherit squads with existing strengths and weaknesses, and changes in personnel and tactics take time to gel.

Furthermore, the Pirates’ struggles are not isolated to coaching decisions.

They reflect broader issues within the squad’s mentality, preparation, and execution.

Fans’ frustration is understandable—after all, Orlando Pirates have a proud history and expect success.

But scapegoating a former coach who is no longer involved distracts from addressing the real problems.

What Needs to Happen Next?

To turn things around, Orlando Pirates must:

Improve Discipline: Players must focus fully on football during matches, minimizing distractions like social media antics.
Strengthen Tactical Cohesion: The coaching staff needs to find a system that maximizes the squad’s strengths and addresses weaknesses.
Boost Morale: Confidence can be fragile; positive reinforcement and mental resilience training might help.
Engage Leadership: Club management must support the coach and players, fostering a professional environment.

Conclusion

In football, it’s easy to assign blame when results disappoint.

Yet, the truth is rarely simple.

Orlando Pirates’ current losing streak is not the fault of Fadlu Davids Ncikazi, who is no longer coaching the team.

Instead, it reflects a combination of tactical challenges, player focus issues, and the pressures of a demanding season.

Coach Abdeslam Aadu faces a critical period to prove his methods and restore the club’s winning ways.

Meanwhile, fans and analysts alike must look beyond names and rumors to understand the deeper causes behind the Pirates’ struggles.

As the season unfolds, the Pirates’ ability to learn from setbacks and unite as a team will determine whether they can reclaim their status as one of South Africa’s football giants—or continue to stumble in the shadows of doubt.

Only time will tell.

But for now, blaming Ncikazi is a distraction the Pirates cannot afford.

The spotlight is on those currently steering the ship—and it’s their responsibility to navigate these stormy seas with skill, focus, and determination.