Chippa coach could be named this week

CHIPPA United began pre-season medical and fitness examinations in Port Elizabeth yesterday but are yet to appoint a new coach.

The club begin their actual preparations next Monday, returning to the Philippi Stadium in Cape Town, their headquarters before they made the move to the Eastern Cape last year.

But just who will be in charge remains a mystery. The club had promised an announcement last week but Lukhanyo Mzinzi, the club’s chief op- erating officer, now says they hope to make an announcement by Friday.

“We are planning a press conference to notify our supporters of the new coach and also our plans for the pre-season,” he said yesterday.

Chippa, who have again been linked with go-to former coach Roger Sikhakhane, join Maritzburg United as the only PSL club without a coach for the coming campaign.

Meanwhile, Patrick Phungwayo’s agent, Mike Makaab, says they could start looking for a new home for the player if negotiations for a new contract with Orlando Pirates drag on.

His contract with the Buccaneers runs out at the end of the month.

“The situation is exactly as it was last week and last month. We are still going to sit down and see the way forward,” Makaab said.

“If we can’t find a solution, we are going to have to look elsewhere. He has to be employed.”

He has attracted interest from Mamelodi Sundowns and they are probably monitoring events closely.

Another player whose contract is up for renewal is Oupa Manyisa, but Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza indicated that he would stay at the club despite continuing interest from Sundowns.