Chippa recall Malesela
IN A bizarre turnaround of events, Dan Malesela yesterday said he was returning to Chippa United as coach after the club had placed him on special leave last month due to poor results.
In an apparent act of desperation, club management recalled Malesela at the weekend to perform a Houdini act and save the team from relegation, with only two matches left.
“Yes, I am coming back to PE,” said Malesela ahead of his flight to Nelson Mandela Bay from OR Tambo International Airport.
Chippa next play SuperSport United on Wednesday, after going down 1-0 to struggling Highlands Park on Friday night.
The result saw Chippa drop to second-last on the log with 24 points from 28 games. They are level on points with last-placed Baroka, but have a superior goal difference.
Chippa boss Chippa Mpengesi confirmed yesterday that the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns player was back at the helm.
“Yes, his special leave is over. He started working today [yesterday].”
Asked if the club hoped Malesela would save them from relegation in the remaining two games, Mpengesi declined to comment further.
Malesela said the request to return did not come as a shock. “I was not shocked neither was I surprised or anything, nor did I expect it.”
He said he had spoken to his family and manager before making the decision to return.
“In the interests of the club and the people of the Eastern Cape, particularly the supporters, I felt why not come back. I am not going to ask anybody ‘why this, why not that’. It’s going to be business as usual. I am not angry with anybody.”
Asked if he would be able so save the Chilli Boys from going down, he said: “I have been in a number of situations like this before, where I was able to help many clubs.
“I have a feeling that something can be done. We just need to be careful how we deal with the games that are coming up.”
The coach believes mental strength will count if Chippa are to get the necessary points they need to survive relegation.
“But also, my coming back, what does it mean to the players? If everybody is positive about it, then it will help. The mental adjustments and strength is what counts most during this situation.”