Andile Mbenyane’s last words after 14 years of marriage with Chippa
Andile Mbenyane, who recently concluded his 14-year marriage with Chippa United, has spoken out about his departure, offering insights into his time with the Chilli Boys.
The 36-year-old footballer has been with Chippa since July 2009. At some point during the 2021/22 season, he was loaned to the club’s feeder side, BCM Stars FC, who are competing in the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League.
In the just-ended campaign, the veteran frontman featured in five games across all competitions for the Gqeberha-based outfit and scored one goal.
Overall, Mbenyane played 178 games for the Chilli Boys, finding the back of the net on 21 occasions and contributing 14 assists, as per Transfermarkt statistics.
ANDILE MBENYANE’S LAST WORDS
Mbenyane confirmed that Saturday’s game against Sekhukhune United was his last game. The Chilli Boys lost 1-0 to Babina Noko.
“I think this one is the last game with the team. I managed to go inside and play which was something to say goodbye to my teammates,” said Mbenyane.
“They did well this season. A team that is together, which also showed leadership so I can encourage them to reach my age. As you can see, a lot of youngsters in the team they want to be Andile Mbenyane who played football for so many years.
“I have been with Chippa for 14 years which means I know Chippa much better. I’m really saying this is my last game unless there’s maybe other changes that I come in before we reopen for the new season.”
‘I STILL HAVE TO SEE THE CHAIRMAN – CHIPPA MPENGESI’
Mbenyane went on to state that he still has to see the club’s chairman, Chippa Mpengesi, to discuss his future with the club, and whether he will be given a certain role within the club.
“But I still have to see the chairman and take it from there. I can’t say that I will be with Chippa United in another role because I haven’t sat down with the chairman and discuss my future. He’s the main guy who brought me here at Chippa which is a good relationship, more like a father and brother to me,” he added.
“He encouraged me to move from Cape Town to be here [Eastern Cape] which I stayed with the team for quite some time. I feel like it will be good if I give the youngsters some time to play because we have really good [talented] youngsters.
“So, age is catching up with a lot of injuries and I don’t play some other games, and I play some other games. So, I saw it fit to give the youngsters a chance to show what they can do.”
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