Malesela returns with plans to trim huge Chippa squad

COMEBACK Chippa United coach Dan Malesela says he is looking at trimming down his squad to 28 players ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season, which kicks off on August 3.

Malesela made a surprise return to the Port Elizabeth-based club last month, replacing Serbian coach Vladislav Heric, who the club axed last week. The Chilli Boys preseason training got under way last week as they hope to get a head start against other PSL teams ahead of the new season.

The 52-year-old said he was delighted with how things were going with training so far.

However, he said he was looking to have a smaller Chippa squad than what he is working with at the moment.

“Training is fine, all is going well,” said the former Orlando Pirates defender.

“We are actually battling with trying to see how we find a balance within the team in terms of playing personal. We must have a squad of about 28 players, but at the moment we have 33.

“So we need to down to 28.

“Some players are talented and trim the team we just don’t want to lose them, but the numbers just don’t allow us to keep players.

“We are trying to get a balance within positions and backups as well. That is what we are working on at the moment.”

Malesela said starting their preseason preparations earlier than most teams in the league would be to Chippa’s advantage.

“Besides having new players even the old players who were here, there are systems and different things that I want to put into place and they take time.

“That is why we have reopened earlier than most of the clubs in the PSL.”

The former Cape Town All Stars mentor said they would spend the bulk of their pre-season training in PE and only spend a week in Johannesburg for friendly games.