Chippa United have officially announced the appointment of former Kaizer Chiefs scout Sinesipho Mali as the club’s new sporting director, a move previously reported by FARPost.
Mali returns to Chippa after several years away, during which he gained significant experience in various key roles. He previously served the club as a performance analyst.
Since then, he’s worked with other prominent clubs, including a stint as a scout for Amakhosi. Most recently, Mali was with Sekhukhune United where he held the position of head of analysis and scouting. He left Babina Noko following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Beyond club football, Mali has also made a notable impact on the national team setup. He was part of the Bafana Bafana technical team that secured the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
His return to Chippa sees him link up with new head coach Sinethemba Badela, as the club looks to strengthen its leadership and strategic direction ahead of the new 2025/26 season
CHIPPA UNITED WELCOME BACK SINESIPHO MALI AS SPORTING DIRECTOR
In a statement released on Thursday, the Eastern Cape-based club highlighted that Mali brings both academic rigor and practical experience to his new role as sporting director.
“We are confident that Mr Mali will meet the moment. His return is not only a testament to the calibre of leaders shaped within this province, but also a clear signal that Chippa United FC is ready to evolve, mature, and lead from the front,” said the Chilli Boys.
“He currently serves as head of analyst for Bafana Bafana, a role he will continue as the national team prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] and concludes its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His contribution to South African football also extends to the women’s game, having been part of the Banyana Banyana technical team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and continuing to support the growth of women’s football at both national and domestic levels.
“The sporting director role, still uncommon in South African football, is a critical part of our long-term strategy. With Mr Mali’s return, we are investing in leadership that not only understands the game but also the unique context of our region — ensuring alignment across recruitment, development, and performance, while driving purpose-led progress for the club and province.”
Chipp added: “A key part of Mr. Mali’s mandate as a sporting director will be to strengthen the club’s presence within local communities. Through grassroots tournaments, youth development programmes, and supporter outreach initiatives, he will lead efforts to reconnect Chippa United FC with the people it represents.
“For us, football is not just a competition — it is a symbol of social upliftment, cultural pride, and Eastern Cape identity. We are Eastern Cape, and the Eastern Cape is us.”
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