Sinesipho Mali has had his say about the Chippa United relegation battle as he officially bid farewell to the Eastern Cape-based outfit.
This follows Mali’s six-month tenure with Chippa, which started at the beginning of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, during which he became the club’s first sporting director, managing its overall functions, including the recruitment of players.
Mali returned to Chippa after eight years following his departure from Sekhukhune United, where he had joined in September 2024 as the head scout and technical analyst.
Last season, the former Kaizer Chiefs scout, Mali, helped Babina Noko finish in fourth place on the log standings with 46 points after 28 outings.
Mali is an Elite International Scout who completed his studies at the UEFA Academy. He is the sole African graduate from his class in 2023 and the youngest African to possess the top scouting credential in global football. To top it off, he also holds a B Licence coaching qualification.
WHAT SINESIPHO MALI SAID AS HE BOW OUT AS CHIPPA UNITED’s SPORTING DIRECTOR
In his goodbye message shared on his social media on Tuesday, 13 January, he confidently expressed his belief that the Chilli Boys will survive the relegation.
“After 6 months as a Sporting Director at a club that means so much to me, I would like to officially announce that I have left the club,” reads Mali’s farewell letter.
“I would like to thank the Mpengesi Family for their trust and belief in my talent, firstly as a young rural boy. I was given my first professional chance by this club and returned to lead this amazing club 8 years later.
“Thanks to the players for their respect and faith in my leadership, to the amazing staff of the club for their great professionalism throughout, to the supporters who stood by us at all times, and to my family for their support, as well as everyone who showed faith in a young talent like me to lead and be the face of the next generation of football leaders.
“I will remain in full support of the club that is so important for the Eastern Cape and wish the club all the best. I’m certain that the club will survive the relegation battle. Chippa will always be my home.”
Chippa is currently placed at the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings [16th place] with nine points from 15 outings.
The team will return to action on Saturday, 24 January, against Orbit College FC away from home in a league match, with the kick off at 15:30.
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