Chippa makes Moloi wait
He is the first Chippa coach to win it – Mpengesi
Chippa United coach Teboho Moloi says his time at Orlando Pirates taught him how to deal with imposing bosses like Chippa Mpengesi.
Moloi spent nearly his entire coaching career at Pirates where he somersaulted between caretaker and assistant coach. At Bucs, Moloi learned first-hand working for Irvin Khoza about dealing with a demanding head honcho.
When he arrived at Chippa, the 49-year-old tactician knew exactly what he was getting himself into.
“That’s a special relationship, hey. I know people say he is trigger-happy but he is a man who understands football,” said Moloi, who was yesterday named Coach of the Month for November.
“My chairman [Mpengesi] is a typical old-style Pirates man. When I joined Pirates the team was made up of officials or supporters that come to training, so I understand this type of vibe. So that is why maybe we click and understand each other because I am not like ‘the chairman is trying to tell me what to do or choose the starting line-up for me and if I don’t the trigger will be pulled’, no.”
Moloi added that Mpengesi enjoyed giving input that will help the team perform well.
“Even when it comes to team selection or problems, you must come with the solutions he understands.”
The award will boost Moloi’s chances of receiving a permanent contract after taking over as interim coach from the axed Dan Malesela.
Mpengesi said: “He is the first Chippa United coach to win this award, it is a big achievement for the club.
“We will make an official announcement about that [permanent contract] and let us not talk about it now. I will call you on Wednesday regarding what you’re asking about now. At this stage the most important thing is to congratulate him for making us proud.”
Also yesterday, Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana bagged the Player of the Month, while Polokwane City defender Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali walked away with Goal of the Month.