Often when teams do a coaching reshuffle in the Premier Soccer League, disruption emerges in some dressing rooms caused by big egos, but that has not been the case at Chippa United.
It’s been a contrast to what has become the norm in major teams, hence the results since the season started have been positive, says the club’s assistant coach Thabo September.
September and Kwanele Kopo were deployed with the co-coach’s tag towards the end of last season by club boss Siviwe Mpengesi to save the outfit from being relegated.
It was a mission they accomplished and the Chippa boss was satisfied enough with what they achieved to continue the combination into the next season.
But at the eleventh hour, Kopo was chosen as the head coach, with former Supersport Diski team mentor September to be his sidekick.
Many observers thought that change would cause an issue because in their short partnership stint September was seen as more vocal in the dugout, the media and with the players, while Kopo was more reserved.
But nine games into the Betway Premiership, they have worked like a dream together, with four wins and two draws.
Chippa are in fifth position with 14 points and pushing for the top three heading towards the end of the first half, a rare situation for the Eastern Cape team who were often struggling for form by this stage of the season.
“Kwanele and I understand our roles; we share the same vision and we want to go to the same direction,” September said.
“Titles are just for formality. I believe if we can help each other in parts that we are not strong at, it is fine.
“If I know something I share my input, same as he always does. We always find common ground in every decision we make and that is what I believe is leading to the consistency on the field with the players.”
With 21 games remaining in the league, two of them in 2024, September said the camp was all smiles.
Those smiles will be even wider if they beat struggling Cape Town City at Buffalo City Stadium in East London on Saturday and Kaizer Chiefs, who have been blowing hot and cold, on December 29 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
“Everyone knows how vital it is for us to collect maximum points in the two remaining games to put ourselves in a good position heading to the second half of the season next year,” September said.
“But Cape Town City are a very good team and Kaizer Chiefs have a good pedigree.”
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