This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Published on July 11, 2020, Chippa United has made yet another coaching change, appointing Lehlohonolo Seema as their new head coach.
Seema replaces Rulani Mokwena, one of four coaches to leave the club this season, along with Clinton Larsen, Duran Francis, and Zimbabwean Norman Mapeza.
Seema, a former Lesotho international, expressed his confidence in the new role, saying, "I realise Chippa change coaches regularly, but I am not perturbed."
Club owner Siviwe Mpengesi, known for his unconventional business ventures, including returning abandoned trolleys to supermarkets, has a reputation for sacking coaches he believes are underperforming.
However, this policy has not had the desired effect, with Chippa United finishing in the bottom half of the table five times in six seasons and being relegated once.
Chippa United official Lukhanyo Mzinzi hailed Seema's appointment, saying, "Lehlohonolo does not need to prove himself anymore."
He added, "He did well in his previous job amid all the challenges he faced," referring to Seema's time at cash-strapped fellow Absa Premiership club Bloemfontein Celtic.
Seema's immediate task is to ensure Chippa United survives a seven-club struggle to avoid relegation, which carries dire financial consequences.
With the championship set to resume this month after being shut down in March due to the coronavirus, Chippa United lie 12th in the 16-club league, three points above the danger zone.
Apart from winning only six of 24 matches, the club based in Port Elizabeth has a scoring problem, netting just 15 times.
