New signings to help Chilli Boys consolidate on log

CHIPPA United will be looking to consolidate their top eight position on the Absa Premiership table with their new signings as they start the second half of the season against AmaZulu FC on Sunday.

Chilli Boys Executive Chairman, Siviwe Mpengesi announced the signing of four players in December.

They are Thabo Rakhale (27), Nkosinathi Mthiyane (29), Mxolisi Machupu (28) and Linda Mntambo (28).

Mpengesi hopes that the signings will add value and strength to the Port Elizabethbased outfit that had an impressive first half of the season.

Highly skillful, Rakhale, who is affectionately known in football circles as “Jomo”, joins the Chilli Boys from Orlando Pirates on a three-year deal.

Mthiyane, who has been a reliable leftback, returns to Chippa United from the Buccaneers after leaving the side at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Jomo Cosmos duo, Macuphu and Mntambo have been remarkable for Ezenkosi this season, scoring an impressive 10 goals between them in the NFD, and will be looking to raise the bar even higher in the Chippa United camp.

The Chilil Boys are currently in eighth position on the Absa Premiership table and are looking to return with guns blazing in the second half of the season.

An elated Mpengesi gave the four players a warm welcome to the Chippa United camp.

“The signing of the four players is a clear indication of our intention to consolidate our position in the Absa Premiership top eight,” Mpengesi said.

“Our aim is to play continental football as we go forward in the season.

“Thabo Rakhale is a typical Chippa United player and will add flair and goals to the side.

“We are delighted to welcome back Nkosinathi Mthiyane, who is familiar with the culture of the club, and we hope that he will get an opportunity to revive his career.

“I have been following the career of both Mntambo and Macuphu at Jomo Cosmos and they are both arguably the most exciting players in the NFD.

“They will start training with the team on Thursday and should all be available for selection for the first game of the year against AmaZulu,” said Mpengesi.

“There will be players that will leave us during this window period.

“We will announce the names in due course,” said Mpengesi.

Meanwhile the club has also confirmed the return of Roger Sikhakhane, who joins the camp as technical assistant to head coach Teboho Moloi.