Agency Report
Chippa United on Sunday used a fourth different coach in four South African Premiership matches, but could not prevent a fourth straight loss as they fell 3-0 to Orlando Pirates.
Patrick Maswanganyi and Namibian Deon Hotto in the first half and Tshepang Moremi after half-time in eastern coastal city Gqeberha scored for visiting Pirates, who missed a penalty.
A third consecutive league win lifted Pirates to fifth after five rounds with nine points — four less than leaders Sekhukune United. Chippa remain last with just one point.
Coaches rarely last long at Chippa, but never before has there been such a swift turnover, leading to Belgian Luc Eymael taking charge against Pirates.
When the season kicked off this month, Sinethemba Badela debuted, but after a draw and a loss he was sacked.
His assistant, Musa Nyatama, was promoted and lasted one match, with Chippa crashing 4-1 at home. In came the club sporting director, Morgan Mammila, and, after another defeat, he was dumped.
After three sackings, desperate Chippa turned to Eymael, who has coached many African clubs since taking charge of V Club in the Democratic Republic of Congo 15 years ago.
He was an increasingly frustrated figure on the touchline as Pirates, recovering from two losses at the start of their Premiership campaign, dominated Chippa.
“We gave away a silly first goal and never recovered. There is a lot of work to be done here,” said 65-year-old former goalkeeper Eymael.
“The two week break now from domestic football for World Cup qualifiers is a blessing. Many of the players are not fit and quickly forget tactical instructions.”
Sekhukhune lead Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference with both clubs having 13 points. Mamelodi Sundowns, chasing a ninth straight league title, lie third, two points behind.
AFP
