Mokwena plans to keep it simple at Chippa United

Newly appointed Chippa United coach Rulani Mokwena wants to keep matters as simple as possible during his time with the Port Elizabeth side.

Mokwena was named the club’s new head coach on Wednesday after the surprise resignation of Norman Mapeza on Monday.

The Chilli Boys have had to change their style of play numerous times as a result of the chopping and changing of coaches.

Though the former Orlando Pirates assistant coach said he was not in agreement with Chippa’s current style of play, he said he was forced to stick with it, as there is not enough time to make the necessary changes.

“From a points accumulation perspective, goals scored and conceded at this moment in time, Chippa are doing better than they did last season,” Mokwena said.

“You will find that Chippa has got very strong defensively this season, but when you are strong defensively, sometimes you also compromise something else.

“The stats also tell us that Chippa play more without the ball.”

The Chilli Boys used to be known for their attractive passing game, but that has disappeared over time.

“Possession has decreased in relation to how Chippa used to play with a lot of ball-orientated, possession football.

“This season they are a team that sacrifice the ball and look after more of the spaces — and while wanting to play on the counterattack.

“Of course, that is not my game — I am not a coach who wants not to have the ball.

“I like to be in control of the match.

“I like to give my team a better chance to be in control of their own fate.

“But, having said that, we don’t have a lot of time, because to move from one game ideology to the next needs time.

“So at this moment it’s just for us to keep it simple and as basic and possible.”

Having only arrived at the club yesterday morning, Mokwena has wasted no time in drafting a way forward for the team.

His first task will be a league fixture against Wits at the Bidvest Wits Stadium on Saturday.

“The Wits game for me is more of an auditing match.

“It gives me an opportunity to have a look at the players and collect data.

“Of course, we will have a session today [Thursday] and there will be a brief session tomorrow [Friday], but that is not enough for proper preparations.

“I am one for detail with regards to how we prepare for matches.”