Chippa United’s longest-serving player Andile Mbenyane needs to step up or ship out.
Those were the strong words from Chippa United Chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi after the conclusion of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Board of Governors (BOG) meeting at the OR Tambo Airport in Kempton Park on Thursday.
Mpengesi was responding to media reports that his club has released Mbenyane, Thabo Rakhale, Diamond Thopola, Kurt Lentjies and Lehlogonolo Masalesa.
Newly-appointed coach Rhulani Mokwena is said to be stamping his authority in Port Elizabeth, but Mpengesi clarified that the release of these players is not final. He also had some harsh words for Mbenyane.
In the audio below, Mpengesi explains:
In the audio below, Mpengesi fully supports the decision but he feels that the timing of chasing these players out is not right for now.
When Mpengesi bought Mbekweni Cosmos back in 2010 and they campaigned in the ABC Motsepe League in the Western Cape, Mbenyane was one of the founding members of this club (as a player).
The 43-year-old owner says he’s always seen Mbenyane (32) as a Hlompho Kekana of the Chillie Boys, but his behavior is unbecoming.
Chippa are currently 12th on the log with 26 points from 24 matches. They need at least six to seven points to be safe.
The last few matches will be a test of character and there could also be injuries and suspensions, Mpengesi agrees that they might still need these players for now. – Report by Velile Mnyandu
