Midfielder happy to extend Chippa stay
STAR Chippa United midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni did not have to think twice when offered an extension to his contract with the Port Elizabeth Premier Soccer League club.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns warrior joined the Chilli Boys on loan in the 2014-15 season, but was later signed by the club. He has now further extended his stay with a three-year contact.
The 27-year-old has played a vital role in helping Chippa United survive relegation in their second stint in the PSL during the 2014-15 season and also with gaining the top eight finish last season.
“I have been enjoying my stay at Chippa United,” Sangweni said.
“When Chippa asked me to extend my contract with the club, I did not hesitate, because I am given game time and I now understand everything about the club.
“Talks of a possible extension of my contract with the team started at the beginning of the season, but I did not give them an answer.
“I told them I wanted to first focus on my game as the season has just opened and that I would make my decision at a later stage.”
Sangweni said a few teams had made contact with him, but did not divulge which teams they were.
But he said the extension of his Chippa contract would not rule out possible future talks.
“If offers do come, it will be the chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi] who decides if the deal goes through. “For now, I am happy at Chippa.”
Also a former AmaZulu player, Sangweni said his main focus was to improve his game but the most important thing was to help the team to a better position on the log.
“What will make me happy is to see the team doing well in the second round of this season.
“The plan now is for Chippa United to move up from where we are on the premier log and then we will take it from there and see how far we can climb.”
Chippa are 11th on the PSL standings, with 16 points from 14 games. They are only four points clear of the relegation zone.