Under the leadership of new sporting director Sinesipho Mali, Chippa United are actively rebuilding their squad, and the club is finalising deals for Richards Bay FC duo of Thabiso Kutumela and Justice Figuareido.
The club’s coaches from last season, Thabo September and Mabhuti Khenyeza, were replaced by the enterprising Sinethemba Badela. Musa Nyatama, who previously helped Moroka Swallows avoid relegation, has joined him as an assistant.
The Eastern Cape outfit released 18 players, including Andile Jali, who was with the club for just one season. Former Orlando Pirates forward Bienvenu Eva Nga left the club alongside Craig Martin, Justice Chabalala and Siphelo Baloni.
KUTUMELA AND FIGUAREIDO JOIN CHIPPA UNITED
Having assembled a dynamic technical team, Mali has turned his focus to preparing the squad for the upcoming season. FARPost can reveal that the club is on the verge of securing the Natal Rich Boyz duo of Figuareido and Kutumela.
The 26-year-old Figuareido spent two seasons at Bay, making 52 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Kutumela, who joined the KZN side after a spell with Mamelodi Sundowns, is nearing the end of his contract and leaves the club on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old forward, who spent two successful seasons at Sundowns, winning the treble, aims to revive his career with the Chilli Boys. According to information obtained by this publication, the Eastern Cape side offered him a one-year deal.
On the other hand, the club tabled a two-year deal for the Eswatini international, Figuareido.
Hailing from Limpopo, Kutumela had his peak at Maritzburg United [now Durban City FC], where he scored 28 goals in 74 matches. Having secured league titles, MTN8, and Nedbank Cup trophies, his extensive experience could prove valuable for Badela’s squad.
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