Spicy Chilli Boys the hotshots

With the 2016/17 PSL season almost upon us, Independent Media continues its build-up. Here Njabulo Ngidi takes a look at dark horses Chippa United.

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With the 2016/17 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season almost upon us, Independent Media continues its build-up with daily analyses of the 16 clubs, broken down into contenders, dark horses, also-rans and relegation candidates’.

Today Njabulo Ngidi takes a look at dark horses Chippa United

Dan Malesela had a frank heart-to-heart discussion with Chippa United’s new recruits when he initiated them into the club. The Chilli Boys made 20 signings, bringing in players from lower divisions and those who haven’t yet settled in the Premier Division.

“A lot of players join a team because they want a salary,” Malesela said.

“They don’t know what that team stands for nor do they bother to find out. I told them this isn’t a place to just get a salary. We stand for something.

“I told them not only to respect the name on the back of the jersey but the badge on the heart as well.

“A lot of these players are hungry for success, while others haven’t found a proper home where they can be happy. They have been all over. That can change here.

“I made it clear they should be driven to leave a legacy. I did that as a player. If I wanted to, I wouldn’t have gone into coaching because I had made my mark in football. But I love this game too much.”

For a long time the game didn’t return that love. So when he retired, he ventured into coaching. He had set his target ... to coach in the elite league by the time he was 40. But it only materialised a decade later.

He spent seven years at the School of Excellence in a temporary capacity, refining the talent of players like Keagan Dolly, Jabulani Shongwe and Jackson Mabokgwane.

It’s ironic that he has found stability and love at a club infamous for firing coaches. He repaid that by helping them finish in the top eight.

“This is a new environment for us,” Malesela said.

“It’s good to be participating in a cup you qualify for.

“But we shouldn’t celebrate qualifying like we do as a country (whenever our national team reach a major tournament). We must go there, compete and win.

“I don’t want to be a coach who doesn’t have anything to show for my coaching career. I won a lot as a player. I want to do the same as a coach.”

The Chilli Boys played with a lot of freedom last season without the burden of expectation. That will change this season as they look to improve on their sixth-place finish.

“We need to show what we did last season wasn’t a fluke,” Malesela said.

“The only way to do that is by doing better.”

Analysis

In a short space of time, Malesela has transformed Chippa United from a club that waddled aimlessly in the Premier League, because of owner Chippa Mpengesi’s trigger-happy tendencies, to dancing their way into the top eight.

“Dance”, as the coach is affectionately known, brought stability in an environment that couldn’t spell the word.

He was the 15th coaching appointment Mpengesi made in five eventful seasons when the chairman fired coaches as frequently as he changed socks.

Mpengesi was more mature last season. He brought Malesela on board to bolster the technical team led by Roger Sikhakhane.

But Malesela quickly took over as coach, first in an interim capacity in December, after Mpengesi suspended Sikhakhane on allegations of being drunk on the bench in a friendly match.

Malesela was made permanent coach in March, rewarded with a three-year contract for taking the team to new heights.

He repaid the faith shown in him by guiding the side to a top-eight for the first time in their history, playing enterprising football in the process.

The mentor will look to build on that success this campaign with the full support of the club’s chairman.

Malesela played a big role in the signings the Chilli Boys made.

The core of those signings are hungry and unknown - perfect for Malesela, who has a magical touch in refining rough diamonds.

Key Man

Thamsanqa Sangweni

The Chilli Boys have to form another solid central midfield pairing after Xola Mlambo left the Windy City for the City of Gold to join Bidvest Wits.

Luckily for coach Malesela, the heartbeat of that pairing and the club - Sangweni - is still a Chilli Boy. The 27-year-old lad from Empangeni is good defensively just as he is going forward.

He can switch those roles with ease, breaking down attacks as swiftly as he launches his team to go forward. He is able to shine at United because he is led by a coach who likes playing enterprising football, which gives him lots of freedom. His displays have seen him attract interest from Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. But after a frustrating spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he spent most of his season on the stands, he is cautious of leaving a club where he gets regular game time.

New signings

Menzi Masuku, Marc van Heerden, Linda Shiba, Sherwin Bailey, Bulumko Ceki, Xolani Mdaki, Vusumuzi Mncube, Sizwe Mdlinzo, Strydom Wambi, Simphiwe Mtsweni, Paseka Moko, Phetolo Sekome, Tshwarelo Bereng, Conrad Madolo, Siphesihle Stuurman, Bongani Ndulula, Zama Dlamini, Veli Muthwa, David Zulu and Kristopher Bergman (recalled from loan)

Last five seasons: Sixth, 14th, first in the National First Division, 15th, second in the NFD

Saturday Star