Following the 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates, Chippa United have demoted Kurt Lentjies, assigning Siyabulela Gwambi to take over for the rest of the season.
Lentjies will now be in charge of the reserve side after overseeing the defeat to Pirates, which plunged the club into the murky relegation waters.
KURT LENTJIES REPLACED
The Chilli Boys were left just two points above the automatic relegation zone with five 2022/23 DStv Premiership matches left.
Gwambi has been part of the club’s technical, assisting countless coaches that have gone through Chippa’s revolving door.
Chippa boss Chippa Mpengesi has assigned him to steer them away from relegation with just five games left.
His first assignment will be against a Marumo Gallants side. The Limpopo outfit has done well on the continent and will look to survive the chop.
Gallants held Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday to move to 15th place from the basement.
On Wednesday, they will be looking to collect maximum points at home. They face Chippa, who are just two points ahead of them.
Chippa are on 26 points while Gallants are on 24, just like Maritzburg United.
The club on Monday issued a statement confirming the coaching changes.
“Chippa United Football Club would like to announce that Kurt Lentjies has been redeployed to head up our DSTV Diski Challenge Team,” the statement read.
SIYABULELA GWAMBI TAKES OVER
“Siyabulela Gwambi has been appointed interim coach for the remainder of the season.
“Gwambi has been a loyal servant of the club, having acquired his CAF License A coaching credentials. Club Chairman, Mr Siviwe Mpengesi, has called upon all Chilli Boys faithful to rally behind the Gqeberha-born native and his charges as they look for positive results.”
READ: Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates: Players to watch
Chippa started the season with Daine Klate but sacked the former Orlando Pirates winger seven matches into the campaign.
He was replaced by Morgan Mammila, who was also axed as results were not coming. In-came Lentjies, who saved the club from relegation last year. However, he has also struggled to steer them away from the drop zone.
The club is reportedly eyeing former coach Lehlohonolo Seema. The ex-Lesotho international recently took up a job as ABC Motsepe League side Peace Makers FC’s head coach.