13 PLAYERS SET TO LEAVE CHIPPA…

A month after Chippa United Chief Operations Officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi confirmed to the Siya crew that the club would begin a restructuring process, a list of 13 players set to leave the Port Elizabeth outfit has emerged.

Buyani Sali, Xolani Maholo, Zaphaniah Mbokoma, Zusakhe Sali, Nkosinathi Mthiyane, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Lunathi Mdatyulwa, Jabulani Shongwe, Miguel Timm and Thabo Nthethe are understood to all be negotiating their exit packages.

Thato Mokeke returned to Cape Town City on a two-year contract last week following a turbulent six months at Chippa, while former captain and Orlando Pirates defender James Okwuosa is trying his luck at Highlands Park as it was reported by the Siya crew last week.

When the crew uncovered the alleged divisions said to be financially crippling the Chilli Boys, Mzinzi, the COO, confirmed plans for the club to wipe the slate clean in the coming weeks.

“For some time now, we have been talking and discussing restructuring at Chippa United – and everybody was in those meetings, including Peter Koutroulis (the CEO who had been placed on special leave at the time). We are adamant that things are going to change as we move forward,” he explained then.

Part of the clearout, Siya sources said, was because these 13 players were understood to be among the club’s highest earners.

Koutroulis was replaced by Morgan Mammila this week when Baroka FC confirmed that their CEO had quit to join their Premier Soccer League rivals.

Chippa have also had 17 coaching changes in six years and each coach has had to negotiate their own settlement.