Perennial DStv Premiership strugglers Chippa United have parted ways with long-serving coach Siyabulela Gwambi.
Gwambi had been with the Chilli Boys for over seven years, serving in various roles, including assistant coach and interim head coach.
Most recently, he has been serving as head coach Morgan Mammila’s assistant, but things seem to have changed following the arrival of Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
Vilakazi joined Chippa from Golden Arrows, where he was co-coach with Mabhuti Khenyeza. ‘Kanu’ dropped a bombshell earlier this month when he announced his departure from Arrows.
Days later, he was announced as technical director of the Chilli Boys in the Eastern Cape. Interestingly, Vilakazi has been seen conducting training sessions.
He has also sat on the bench alongside Mammila during the club’s official DStv Premiership games. The administrator-turned-coach told SABC: “I’m not limiting him. And I’m not starting this thing now. I’m even allowing him to be in charge of training the team.
“All other teams you see that are successful, it’s because people are giving it their all. And I want to make all my staff, when they wake up, look forward to coming to add value to this team.”
WHAT HAPPENS TO SIYABULELA GWAMBI
The club has reportedly thanked Gwambi for his contributions to the club and wished him well in his future endeavours. The long-serving Chilli Boys coach has not been seen in recent matches.
“Siyabulela Gwambi has parted ways with Chippa United Football Club,” a source told SN24. “The club has thanked him for his contributions during his time there and wished him all the best for the future. They told him to stay at home.”
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Kurt Lentjies demoted as Gwambi takes over
It is unclear why Gwambi has left Chippa United, but it is likely due to his relationship with Mammila. Gwambi’s departure is the latest in a long line of coaching changes at Chippa United. The club has had over 35 different coaches in the past couple of seasons and is known for its trigger-happy approach to coaching appointments.
The Eastern Cape-born coach, Gwambi, has served under Gavin Hunt, Daine Klate, Lehlohonolo Seema and Kurt Lentjies.