Chippa beef up defence
CHIPPA United made it clear midfield and defence were priorities when they revealed the names of the new players who have been brought in to bolster their ranks.
Making the announcement on their social media pages, the Chilli Boys listed the names of 11 new players as they continue their preparations for the start of the new Premier Soccer League.
Last week, the club confirmed the signing of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo and Mark Mayambela who returns to Chippa after spending last season at Ajax Cape Town.
The other signings see the return of former Chilli Boys skipper and defender James Okwuosa from Orlando Pirates and centreback Zitha Macheke, who was with Thando Royal Zulu.
Coach Dan Malesela has also brought in Cape Town All Stars players Phetso Maphanga (defender), Stanley Makgoka (midfielder), Gerald Modisane (centreback) and Mlungisi Mbunjana (defensive midfielder).
Other recruits include Moeketsi Sekola (striker) who’s on loan from Highlands Park, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Samuel Julies and Xolani Maholo who has been promoted to first team from the Chippa MDC team.
Chippa boss Siviwe Mpengesi is confident the new recruits will ensure the team improve on their 13th-place finish of last season.
“If you look at the squad we had when we finished in sixth position during the 2015-16 season, it was a balanced team – with young and experienced players. We have the same thing this season.
“We have players such as Mark Mayambela, Kurt Lentjies, Brighton Mhlongo and Samuel Julies who have been in the PSL.
“This season our focus was to strengthen our team at the back. Most of the players we have brought in are defenders with the likes of James Okwuosa, Phetso Maphanga and, of course, our goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo.
“We have also beefed up our midfield because last season we struggled a lot with injuries.”
Mpengesi said he has closed his cheque book now.
“We have parted ways with the likes of David Zulu, Linda Shiba, Xolani Mdaki and Zama Dlamani.
“More players will be released once the team is back from their premier season camp in Durban,” he said. — DDC