Baptism of fire for Chippa’s new coach

Chippa United will be hoping that a change in coach signals a reversal in their fortunes when they face SuperSport United on Wednesday. So far the Chilli Boys have yet to win a match and this cost former coach Dan Malesela his job. Chippa have a reputation of hiring and firing coaches in a hurry and Malesela paid the price of not being able to win any of his opening three games. Two defeats and a draw have left Chippa with just a single point and stranded at the wrong end of the Absa Premiership log.

This situation was clearly not to the liking of Chippa owner Siviwe Mpengesi and he gave Malesela his marching orders.

His firing was also marred with talk of infighting with some influential members of the Chippa camp not in favour of his dismissal.

His replacement Eric Tinkler faces a baptism of fire against his former club on Wednesday. Tinkler arrived in Port Elizabeth with reputation of being a no-nonsense coach capable of producing winning teams.

Chippa midfield general Mark Mayambela has sung the praises of his new coach. He feels Tinkler will get the best out of Chippa and get them back on track.

Tinkler will command the respect of his players thanks to his stellar playing record, which saw him represent his country on 45 occasions. He was, of course, part of the famous Bafana squad that won the African Cup of Nations in 1996. He has also played Cagliari in Italy and Burnley in the English Premier League and all this experience will have helped his development as a top coach.

If Tinkler fails to produce immediate success, Mpengesi needs to fight everything within himself and exercise patience and allow the new man time to stamp his authority on the side. With Tinkler at the helm, the prospects look better than the team’s lowly log position would suggest.

It will not be an easy start for Tinkler playing away from home, but he will be hoping that his players respond to the demands of a new man in charge.