Chippa United sign strike duo
CHIPPA United boss Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi has started the groundwork of revamping his side ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
And the charismatic chairman has wasted no time in getting new recruits to strengthen coach Dan Malesela’s squad.
He confirmed yesterday the signing of two experienced strikers in Maritzburg United skipper Kurt Lentjies and former PSL top goal scorer Puleng Tlolane of Polokwane City.
The chairman also hinted at the possible return of former Chippa captain James Okwuosa, who was sold to Orlando Pirates early this year. “We are signing players who we think are needed in the team,” Mpengesi said.
“We are also working on strengthening our technical team in terms of getting coach Dan Malesela an experienced assistant coach and a proper structure.
“Even though we have not officially announced it, we have clinched contracts with two new players in Kurt Lentjies and Puleng Tlolane.
“There are other players I will announce soon.
“Chippa supporters have been questioning if my decision to let James Okwuosa join Orlando Pirates was correct.
“James has only played one game for Pirates and is still contracted to them, but he has been calling us, pleading with us to talk with Pirates to bring him back.
“Those are some of the things that I have been working on.”
Asked about the future of Mbuyiselo Sambu, who was Malesela’s assistant coach last season, the chairman said the former defender would still be part of the team but would probably join Chippa’s Multi Choice Diski Challenge side.
“Sambu is going nowhere. However, he still has much to learn,” Mpengesi said.
He said his other aim was to make sure the team did not repeat their bad performance of last season.
A superior goal difference saw Chippa scrape another season in the PSL.