Chippa United chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi has shed light on the club’s decision to bring in former Baroka FC mentor Amukelani ‘Jay Jay’ Hlungwani as the new first-team assistant to head coach Brandon Truter.
The Betway Premiership outfit confirmed the appointment on Friday morning across their official social media platforms.
Hlungwani arrives in Gqeberha with extensive experience in the lower divisions, having previously served on the technical teams of Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side Mpheni Defenders, Casric Stars [now known as Real Native FC], and Baroka.
In a brief statement welcoming the coach, the Chilli Boys said: “Chippa United is delighted to announce the appointment of Amukelani Hlungwani as our new assistant coach. We look forward to his expertise, energy, and tactical insight on the touchline as we continue to push forward this season.”
SIVIWE MPENGESI REVEALS WHY CHIPPA UNITED HIRED AMUKELANI HLUNGWANI
Speaking during Hlungwani’s official unveiling, Mpengesi emphasised that the coach’s primary mandate will be to create a seamless pathway between the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] reserve side and the senior squad.
“So today we are here to announce our assistant coach to Brandon Truter. His name is Amukelani Hlungwani. He will be assisting in our first team, Chippa United. He will be the bridge between our DDC—our development club—and our head, our first team,” Mpengesi stated.
In his message to Hlungwani. the Chippa boss added: “‘The goal is to see all these players having a chance, or get a chance, of playing for the first team. But congratulations, because now for the first time in your career, you will be witnessing now life of the Premier Soccer League. We want Chippa United to do well this season. We want to compete in the top eight as we are doing at the moment. So welcome, and I wish you all the best.'”
AMUKELANI HLUNGWANI DELIGHTED TO FORM PART OF CHIPPA UNITED’S TECHNICAL TEAM
Taking on his first-ever coaching role in the South African top flight, Hlungwani expressed his gratitude to the club’s hierarchy for entrusting him with the pivotal developmental role.
“Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity and thank the club chairman for the belief and faith,” Hlungwani said.
“My responsibilities and roles that you’ve explained [referring to what the chairman told him] are to be the glue to the team. Also, be responsible for the transition of players from the development to a first team.”
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