Chippa United have settled on an interesting choice for their new head coach going into the 2025/26 season after deciding not to journey forward with Thabo September.
Chippa failed to make it to the Top Eight, instead finishing in 11th place after collecting 31 points from 28 games.
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They had started the campaign with September and Kwanele Kopo as co-coaches, but the latter left the Gqeberha-based outfit in December 2024 citing a desire to venture into new challenges.
This then paved the way for former centre-back September to become sole head coach.
With Mabhudi Khenyeza as first assistant, Morgan Mammila returned to the club in February to take up a role as second assistant, but not long after that he was appointed Chippa’s first-ever Sporting Director.
The head coach’s position has been vacant since the end of the season, with Sinethemba Badela strongly linked with the job.
Now, confirmation has come through that the former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant will be taking over the reins at the Chilli Boys with a lot expected ahead of the new season.
“We are proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Sinethemba Badela as the new Head Coach of Chippa United Football Club, ahead of what promises to be a defining 2025/26 season,” says a club statement released on Wednesday morning.
“Coach Badela hails from Sterkspruit, a town in the Senqu Local Municipality, part of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality in our beloved Eastern Cape. His journey is a testament to what is possible when potential meets opportunity, and we are honoured to give him the platform to lead our club at the highest level.
“This marks his first appointment as a head coach in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) – a moment of pride not just for him, but for us as a club. We have built a reputation for giving young and emerging coaches the opportunity to lead, choosing innovation over recycling, and purpose over familiarity. Football is evolving, and so are we.
“Coach Badela brings with him international experience, having served as assistant coach at Wydad AC in Morocco, one of the most decorated clubs in African football. He now steps into this leadership role with the backing of our club, our supporters, and the province we call home.
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“As the only PSL club in the Eastern Cape, we carry not just the hopes of our supporters, but the weight of regional pride. 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.
“Coach Badela will lead our technical preparations for the new season, and additional members of the technical team will be announced in due course.”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
