Lentjies looks back on first gig as PSL coach
Chippa United head coach Kurt Lentjies has reminisced on the past DStv Premiership season as a coach in SA’s biggest football league.
The 37-year-old former midfielder was roped in midway through the season, after club chair Siviwe Mpengesi axed head coach Gavin Hunt.
His first match at the helm was a 1-0 win against Baroka.
Since Lentjies took over, Chippa has turned over a new leaf and moved slowly away from the danger zone.
The former midfielder, who officially retired from the playing field at the weekend against TS Galaxy, spoke briefly about his first gig as head coach of a PSL team.
“Overall, like I have always been saying, I did not ask for this to happen, I didn’t put out a CV there — the job just came,” Lentjies said.
“If God opens a door, I am one of those people who want to walk through it.
“Obviously, the job comes with pressures of being in the hot seat — people would say that, but to me it doesn’t feel hot at all, I feel at home.
“After 10 games when the call was made for me to be head coach, I felt, like I had said before, if God opens up a door I walk through it.”
Chippa finished the season in 14th position on the log with 29 points from 30 matches, just one point shy of reaching their target of 30.
The Chilli Boys closed their league campaign on a bitter note, with a 1-0 defeat to Galaxy on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“We can’t be too excited about what we achieved this season,” Lentjies said.
“Yes, everyone will say we are safe from relegation with one game to spare, something that hasn’t happened in the club for a couple of years.
“Last season, the team had to partake in the relegation/ promotional playoffs and the season before that we had to survive on the last day.
“So we are making progress, but like I have said, my excitement is more for next season and what we can dish out next season.
“When it comes to the players, I can’t ask for more than what they have given today and for the entire 30 games.
“Even with coach Gavin Hunt also, they were trying and we can’t ignore the fact that he laid a fantastic foundation for preseason and for the 10 games where we picked up points.
“Our form has got better after that, but when it comes to performance, commitment and respecting the club, the players were up there, I can’t ask for more.
“There will be changes [next season] as I am looking to strengthen the team,” he said.