Chippa United boss Siviwe Mpengesi has hit back at the club’s former coach Gavin Hunt while explaining the return of Morgan Mammila.
Mpengesi, known for being impatient with coaches, fired young tactician Daine Klate seven games into the 2022/23 season, and Hunt described the decision as ‘disgraceful’.
Before Klate, who was in his first season as a professional coach Hunt was also shown the exit door at Chippa last season after a poor run of form.
The Chilli Boys boss Mpengesi has been heavily criticised for how he treats coaches, with the Eastern Cape-based side ex-coach Hunt claiming that the club did not support Klate, whom he worked with at SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits, winning four league titles.
CHIPPA COMES OUT PUNCHING
Mpengesi, in his defence, rubbished the comments made by Hunt. “Hunt is talking nonsense; he is disrespectful,” he said at Moses Mabhida stadium.
“Hunt has always been like that. That is why we fired him. “When he was here, he was disrespecting the Port Elizabeth talent.
“Chippa have players, they lacked guidance, and if Hunt says we did not give Klate support, he is lying.
“We will not listen to him; he was just talking out of the excitement of beating Maritzburg United,” added Mpengesi.
CHIPPA ON MORGAN…
The appointment of Mammila as an assistant coach in the DStv Premiership, with a SAFA D License, was met with negativity.
“I always say look at my story; I come from shacks, working as a security but now, I run businesses,” he explained.
“There were people who looked down on me, so I do not do that; I do not judge you by your education or background. I focus on talent and passion; we must give our people chances.”
“I am not sure why people say I disrespected the league, I gave people with high qualifications a chance, the likes of Ernst Middendorp and Gavin Hunt, but when it comes to the field, results are not there.
“I believe in our people, and the club will assist Morgan in improving his education,” he concluded.
