Chippa optimistic about new signing
CHIPPA United chief operations officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi says the experience of Lerato Chabangu, 30, will be a great asset to the club.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana player has signed a two-year contract with an option to renew with the Bay side.
After Moroka Swallows were relegated from the Premier Soccer League, the former Dube Birds player trained with Bidvest Wits.
Chabangu hoped to land himself a contract with Wits, but the deal never came through so he left the club early last month.
Mzinzi said Chabangu was a perfect replacement for former Chippa player Edward Manqele, who was sold to Kaizer Chiefs late last month.
“Chabangu is a very good player. We wanted a direct replacement for Manqele . . .
“We had a look at him [Chabangu] and the coach [Roger Sikhakhane] was very happy. He had full preseason training with Bidvest Wits but they did not sign him.
“We called him in and had a look at him. He looked very sharp, very fresh and still looks like a youngster. We thought he could add value to the club.
“He is a good ball player, quite experienced and a set-piece specialist. We have been playing good football but not taking our chances.”
Chabangu was “a proven goal scorer so he has a lot of things that he can offer the club”.
Mzinzi said Chabangu might make his debut for Chippa against Polokwane City at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday (8pm), depending on Sikhakhane.