Chippa United sack Malesela, appoint Eymael as technical advisor

Chippa United have officially sacked Dan Malesela to end speculation about the coach’s future at the club.

In a statement released by Chippa United on Monday, the club said the decision to part ways with Malesela was amicable.

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The club further confirmed that Siyabulela Gwambi will be the interim coach while Luc Eymael will be the technical director.

Eymael’s appointment as technical director is temporary, and this is because Chippa United is waiting for clarity from the South African Football Association (SAFA) as to whether or not the Belgian mentor is allowed to coach in the PSL.

In 2020, SAFA released a statement that Eymael was not allowed to coach in South Africa following the alleged racist remarks he made while he was still coaching in Tanzania.

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At some point, Chippa United had to reverse its decision to rope in Eymael as their head coach after a social media backlash from football fans across the country.

Last week, Eymael looked set to join Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) but he was let down by the Limpopo-based club at the 11th hour, as the team’s officials reportedly left him stranded at the OR Tambo International Airport.

THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Chippa United Football Club would like to announce that it has reached an amicable decision to part ways with Dan Malesela, with this decision effective immediately.

We would like to thank Mr. Malesela for his contribution to the Club and to wish him well in his future endeavours.

Siyabulela Gwambi, the side’s assistance coach, will take over the Head Coach responsibilities on an interim basis.

We would like to wish him well on this appointment, where the Club objectives are on improving the current DStv Premiership log standings and on also reaching the prestigious Nedbank Cup final.

The Club has also appointed well-travelled Belgian, Luc Eymael, in a Technical Advisor role where he will play an integral mentorship role for the technical team. Mr. Gwambi, who is from Zwide, has been a part of the Club coaching structures since 2015. He was promoted to the senior team having coached in the team’s youth structures and the Diski Challenge team.

It is the Club intent to have Mr. Eymael forming part of the technical team. This is subject to consultations with our partners, sponsors and supporters. We have also sought necessary clearances from the SA Football Association on his appointment.

Chilli Boys’ next fixture is against Mamelodi Sundowns at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London next Monday, 12 April

The Chilli Boys currently occupy 15th spot in the DStv Premiership standings, four points above the relegation zone.

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