Mokwena takes over Chippa reins

by Bertin Basson

Wednesday Mar 04, 2020. 18:00

Rhulani Mokwena has been appointed as the new head coach of Chippa United for the remainder of the 2019-20 Absa Premiership season, replacing Norman Mapeza who resigned on Monday evening.

In an unprecedented move, the young tactician has joined the Chilli Boys ‘on-loan’ for the remainder of the campaign. He will be assisted by Michael Loftman in Port Elizabeth in what is a first in South African football circles.

Mokwena has been absent from the Orlando Pirates bench since the arrival of Josef Zinnbauer in December, having reportedly spent time abroad over the last few weeks.

The 33-year-old was in charge of 15 Pirates games as interim coach following Milutin Sredojević’s departure last year.

Mokwena has been tasked with steering Chippa to safety, starting with a tough assignment away to Bidvest Wits at Bidvest Stadium this Saturday.

The Chilli Boys currently occupy 11th place in the Absa Premiership, five points above the relegation zone.