After 34 coaches went through the revolving door at Chippa United, the club’s chairman Siviwe Mpengesi has made an unbelievable promise to his newly appointed coach Daine Klate.
The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport winger was recently handed the Chilli Boys job, replacing Kurt Lentjies. Lentjies hung his boots last season to succeed Gavin Hunt, who only lasted 45 days after taking over from Lehlohonolo Seema, whose tenure was only 42 days.
Mpengesi, known to be trigger-happy when results are not forthcoming, has thrown his weight behind his 34th coach since 2012, promising to be patient with him as he builds a competitive team. The Eastern Cape club’s boss insists he is ready to give the former Bidvest Wits star all the support he needs to instil his philosophy.
“I listened to him when he was addressing players, how he presents himself, he’s passionate, he lives the game.
“He was complaining that they were not a lil bit aggressive, so I believe that this one will do well for Chippa United, and I will give him all the necessary support to do well because it will be a good story of having achieved what he achieved as a player now we want him to achieve greatness as a coach,” the chairman told the media.
The Chilli Boys are known for their rapid changing of coaches, having begun the last DStv Premiership season under the mentorship of Hunt, who was axed after a poor start to the season.
The Nelson Mandela Bay outfit opened their season with a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
“A point away against SuperSport is a fair result. You know SuperSport is a big team; you know, I thought we could get three points because we scored. First, I also think the goal they scored was a mistake from our side; we’ll take a point as long as we didn’t lose our first game,” he added.
The Gqeberha-based side will be looking to collect maximum points when they face Royal AM in the second league round on Wednesday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm.
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