Bright jumps Chippa s ship into Leopards s lair

DAVID Bright has revealed he did not have a contract with Chippa United despite being unveiled as an assistant coach to Roger Sikhakhane last month ahead of the 2015-2016 season.

Bright, a former Santos and Bay United coach, says he left the Eastern Cape club because of “administrative issues ” and is now the head coach at Black Leopards in the NFD. He replaces Zeca Marques, who has joined Santos. “I am very excited to be part of Leopards. As you know, I was shortly with Chippa. I parted with them because of administrative issues.

“My contract was not yet signed, so that ’ s the reason why I left. I spoke to them and I spoke to Roger. I am going to be with Leopards for two seasons. I spoke to the chairman [David Thidiela] and told him that football needs continuity. You can ’ t stop [coaching the club] after just one season.”

Lidoda Duvha finished third last term to qualify for the play-offs.

Bright has been told he has to win promotion this season. “I am aware of my mandate. I am a straight-forward person and I do not have a problem with my mandate to win promotion. The players are happy and they are looking at me to assist them.

“Most of the players from last season are still here, which is good.”

Leopards begin their league campaign against Cape club Milano United in Thohoyandou on August 22.