Chippa United FC have confirmed parting ways with coach Luc Eymael following a string of poor results, and they have immediately appointed his replacement for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
As first reported by FARPost, the Belgian leaves the Chilli Boys after seven games in charge. The difficult run of form included bowing out of the Carling Knockout at the last-16 stage in humiliating fashion.
But the final straw was last Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 defeat by Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership match at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. That left Chippa at the bottom of the PSL table.
During his time with the Gqeberha-based club, Eymael guided them to just one victory, two draws and four defeats. It was run that did not please club owner Siviwe Mpengesi, who is known for his impatience with coaches.
The former Polokwane City FC and Free State Stars coach becomes the second tactician to be fired by Chippa this season. Sinethemba Badela started at the helm of the team and was gone after just two games. Badela’s depature paved the way for Eymael to come in.
WHO IS EYMAEL’S REPLACEMENT AT CHIPPA UNITED?
“Chippa United FC confirms a mutual separation with Head Coach Luc Eymael. We thank him for his professionalism and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” club sporting director Sinesipho Mali said. This was on Wednesday via a statement.
“We are pleased to welcome back Kanu Vilakazi as the new head coach. Familiar with our club’s values and ambitions, he is well-placed to lead us forward in the Betway Premiership League.
“To our loyal supporters — thank you for your belief and encouragement. We promise to bounce back stronger as the Chilli Boys.”
Vilakazi plunges into arguably the most delicate job in the PSL, having lasted just three months at Chippa United in his previous stint at the club.
He faces what could be the biggest challenge in his coaching career to save the Chilli Boys from relegation. The club is currently at the bottom of the log standings.
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