DURBAN – Chippa United are set to send Dan Malesela packing after three Absa Premiership matches without a victory. IOL Sport spoke with two insiders at United on Tuesday, who confirmed that Malesela is heading for the exit door at the club.
Malesela rejoined the Chilli Boys before the start of the new season, taking over the reigns from Vladislav Heric. He was also shown the door at the beginning of last season, as he was replaced by Tebogo Moloi.
A player who spoke on condition of anonymity said on Tuesday: “The coach was in a very morose mood today. Our training session was cancelled this afternoon. He told us that it looks like he has been fired, but he will get an official word tomorrow morning. We were told to go back home. Everyone was shocked. We were still enjoying working with him. This is sad, because we will have to adapt to a new coach.”
Malesela failed to register a victory in three league outings. He succumbed to two defeats against Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates, and then drew with Black Leopards. Another source close to Malesela confirmed that he is leaving.
“Dan is leaving. He is not going to be coaching Chippa United in their next match. It looks like they will hire Eric Tinkler to take over the reigns. He wasn’t given enough support. Maybe two players that are at Chippa were recommended by him. Even the physical trainer was not his choice,” the source said.
Tinkler is still jobless after cutting ties with SuperSport United last season. He made his name at Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City. Chippa United marketing and communications manager Luthando Zibeko said he doesn’t know anything regarding the departure of Malesela. An attempt to get hold of club chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi proved futile as his phone rang unanswered.
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