Chippa United have made a U-turn on Azola Ntsabo who was released at the end of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
The Chilli Boys’ preparation for the new season saw them surprisingly part ways with 16 first-team players.
Chippa had a season to forget in the previous campaign after finishing just above the relegation zone. The Eastern Cape-based team won eight matches in the league, drew 10 and lost 12 times in 30 games. They accumulated 34 points to finish 12th on the log standings.
The club even decided to part ways with technical director Morgan Mammila. The Administrator-Turned-Coach has since taken over a coaching role at the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC.
In a move to build a new team for the upcoming season, Chippa announced the departures of Luvuyo Memela, Roscoe Petersen, Loydt Kazapua, Azola Ntsabo, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Siphelele Luthuli, Darren Johnson, Menzi Ndwandwe, Andile Fakude, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Diego Apollis, Khanyisile Mayo, Siseko Manona, Yurig Conwood, and Andile Mbenyane.
CHIPPA UNITED OFFERS AZOLA NTSABO A NEW CONTRACT
FARPost understands that Azola Ntsabo has been offered a new contract to return to Chippa ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Ntsabo has been with Chippa United for two seasons since joining from Cape Town All Stars in the 2022/23 season.
The talented left-back made 34 appearances in his two seasons with the Chippa Mpengesi-owned team and contributed two assists.
“Azola Ntsabo has been given a lifeline to return to Chippa United for the new season. I think the left-back position at Chippa is a bit thin; that’s why they changed their mind on Ntsabo,” a source said.
“You must also remember that Malebogo Modise went back to Mamelodi Sundowns after the loan deal expired.”
Meanwhile, Chippa have also signed Aphelele Teto, Boy Madingwane, Giovanni Philander, Thobani Jacobs, Sifiso Mazibuko, Blessing Jali and Xolani Sithole.
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