Former Chippa United coach Luc Eymael has commended Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi for sticking with Brandon Truter despite the Chilli Boys posting inconsistent results.
Famous for their lack of patience with coaches, the Gqeberha-based outfit has unusually kept Truter as the team struggles so far in the 2026/27 season. The coach has survived a storm of three defeats, five draws, and just one win across all competitions.
That difficult run of form includes the 4-0 defeat by Golden Arrows to bow out of the Carling Knockout last weekend, in what was expected to be the final straw for Mpengesi. Truter was appointed the Chilli Boys coach in July and is expected to lead his men when they visit Stellenbosch FC for a Betway Premiership date on Saturday.
That game against the Cape Winelands side could be a must-win for Truter to save his future at the club. After eight league outings, the Chilli Boys will be trying to rise up the table as they are currently ninth, with five points above the relegation cutoff point.
HAS CHIPPA MPENGESI GONE SOFT? EYMAEL RESPONDS TO BRANDON TRUTER SURVIVING THE AXE
Eymael admits he is surprised that Truter is still in his job but lauds Mpengesi for giving the coach a chance. The Chilli Boys boss is regarded as a no-nonsense man who is always ready to wield the axe at the slightest sign of a slip-up.
“I have to be very honest, I haven’t watched Chippa playing this season. I have watched Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC here on my device,” Eymael told FARPost in an interview.
“But I check their first XI, and I see some players [that I coached] are still there, and others are no longer there. I also follow their results, even of Polokwane City FC where I was before.
“I don’t know how their training is, how their coaching is, their preparation for games or the video meetings. But I don’t know what he is asking from the coach.
“I know that this coach [Truter] already offered his services when I was still at Chippa. I know that, but it’s part of life.
“So now I don’t know why the chairman hasn’t taken action. But I know that normally he is not very patient. Perhaps these days he has become patient. If he has become patient, it’s a good thing.
“I don’t wish for someone to be fired. But for me, it’s surprising, but I would say it’s surprising in a good way. Now if the chairman is becoming patient, it’s a good thing.
“I’m not defending the players or the coach, but I’m defending the general philosophy. It’s surprising in a good way, but we will see if the chairman has become patient.”
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