Ambitious Chippa United on PSL shopping spree with new coach and sporting director

Chippa United have announced the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as their new head coach.

The club expressed confidence in his abilities as he takes over from Thabo September, who parted ways with Chippa following an underwhelming 11th-place finish last season.

Badela, who hails from the Eastern Cape, steps into the leadership role as a promising emerging coaching talent in South African football.

He is a former Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge mentor, and has an eye for untapped talent.

“This appointment at Chippa United marks his first appointment as a head coach in the Premier Soccer League. It is a moment of pride not just for him, but for us as a club,” Chippa United’s statement read.

“We strive to be more than a club. We are a symbol of possibility, a beacon for talent, and a footballing home for the Pride of the Eastern Cape.”

Last season, he gained invaluable experience as an assistant coach to Rhulani Mokwena at Wydad AC in Morocco.

Badela’s appointment is a significant step in Chippa’s ambitions to move away from their mid-table mediocrity.

Previously, he also played a key role in Mokwena’s technical team at Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Coach Badela brings with him international experience, having served as assistant coach at Wydad AC,” the statement continued.

“He now steps into this leadership role with the backing of our club, our supporters, and the province we proudly represent.”

Badela’s task will centre around elevating the club’s fortunes after a lacklustre season where they amassed 31 points from 28 matches, narrowly missing out on a coveted top-eight spot.

While the details of Badela’s contract have yet to be revealed, the club’s vision of fostering talent is clear.

Chippa United’s commitment is underscored by their choice to promote local coaching talent.

“His journey is a testament to what is possible when potential meets opportunity. We are honoured to give him the platform to lead our club at the highest level.”

As preparations for the new season intensify, Chippa United’s supporters will be keenly watching to see how coach Badela implements his tactical philosophy and galvanises the squad to achieve their goals.

Additional members of the technical team supporting Badela are expected to be announced soon, as the club look to build momentum and restore pride among their fans.

Meanwhile, Chippa’s owner, Siviwe Mpengesi, on Thursday morning announced the appointment of Sinesipho Mali as the club’s new sporting director.

Mali, a distinguished tactical analyst for South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, boasts a wealth of knowledge in performance analysis, having previously served in key roles at Chippa and Sekhukhune United.

His return to the club marks a notable chapter in his career, underlining the commitment of Mpengesi to revitalise Chippa.

Mali brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills earned during his tenure as an analyst with Kaizer Chiefs, before his recent role at Sekhukhune United, where he not only functioned as an analyst, but also took charge of recruitment strategies.

His efforts at Sekhukhune were instrumental in the club achieving their highest points tally in the 2024/25 Premiership season.

“With Mali’s return, we are investing in leadership that understands the game and also the unique context of our region – ensuring alignment across recruitment, development, and performance, while driving purpose-led progress for the club and province,” Chippa’s statement read.

Mali will continue to serve as the head of analysis for Bafana Bafana. He also has previous experience with Banyana Banyana and the national Under-23 squad.