‘It’s not true that I have signed’ – Eymael contradicts Chippa United

Belgian football coach Luc Eymael has publicly contradicted Chippa United after the PSL club announced his appointment as head coach on Wednesday 23 December.

The Statement from Chippa United

Chippa United Football released a statement to the press and general public announcing Eymael as their new senior head coach until the end of the season.

The Eastern Cape-based outfit reportedly suspended former head coach Lehlohonolo Seema on Wednesday morning having called on him to account for the team’s poor performance.

Chippa appeared confident that they had secured the services of the controversial former Polokwane City, Black Leopards and Free State Stars coach.

“Eymael’s first match in charge will be the DStv Premiership fixture against SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium when the season resumes in the New Year on 6 January 2021,” a press release from Chippa reads.

“The club confirms that it met with former coach Lehlohonolo Seema on Wednesday, where the consensus from both parties was to part ways with immediate effect.

“This decision comes after an indifferent start to this season with the team currently in 14th place on the league standings after eight matches.”

Eymael denies signing for Chilli Boys

Eymael confirmed that the club had approached him and that he had even held discussions with them but sensationally claimed that he is yet to sign for the club.

The 61-year-old coach is currently back in his native Belgium and said that he was also entertaining offers from North African clubs.

“I am surprised [by Chippa United’s statement]. I haven’t signed anything with the club. Yes, they approached me and we had discussions. But it’s not true that I have signed,” Eymael told KickOff.com.

“As I am speaking to you I am in my office in Belgium. I haven’t signed with anybody. At the moment I am sitting with other offers in Morocco and Tunisia. My next destination isn’t yet decided.”

Eymael’s status with Safa unknown

Eymael drew ire across Africa earlier this year and was sacked from Tanzania Premier League side Yanga Africans when video emerged on social media where he described the clubs fans as “illiterate” and “monkeys”.

At the time the SA Football Association (Safa) expressed their intent to report Eymael to sports minister Nathi Mthethwa‚ Fifa and CAF to ensure that the coach never works in South Africa again.

It is unclear at thus stage if Safa have the power to block the appointment of the Belgian.