Newly appointed Chippa United coach Daine Klate made a masterly change against his mentor Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport, which seems to have paid off.
That tactical change involved defender Ronald Pfumbidzai, who is relishing a new lease of life under the tutelage of ex-Orlando Pirates winger.
It was Klate’s first match in charge of Chippa’s senior team after cutting his coaching teeth on the reserve side.
The ex-Bloemfontein Celtic player, Pfumbidzai, was deployed as a centre-back on Sunday when Chippa United played SuperSport, a little tweak from his favourite left-back position.
The Chilli Boys settled for a 1-1 draw, with Pfumbidzai putting up a performance full of passion and determination.
For Pfumbidzai, the change of position signifies a turnaround in terms of his fortunes ahead of a potentially exciting campaign under the mentorship of one of the best attackers to grace the South African league, Klate.
“I’m excited and looking forward to succeeding despite this change. It’s tactical, and I believe in my strengths as a player and the faith that the coach has in the whole team and me,” Pfumbidzai told FARPost.
“Being able to adapt is very important because one of the days you can even be the team’s goalkeeper or striker.
“I hope this season will be full of success stories and that it will also be a turnaround for myself and the team. We play in a competitive league, and I believe we are also a force to reckon with.”
Chippa owner Siviwe Mpengesi thrust Klate into the hot seat, replacing Kurt Lentjies, who saved the team from relegation.
Pfumbidzai added: “We have been very high in terms of morale despite the challenges we come across in this game.
“That is key for us and could go a long way in determining the results we will get when the current season ends.”
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