DURBAN – Chippa United parted ways with Eric Tinker on Sunday, with the club confirming that former Black Leopards boss Joel Masutha will be the interim coach.
Tinkler, who joined the Chilli Boys in the middle of this season when replacing Dan Malesela, has found life difficult in his tenure as the coach of the club.
On Friday, Chippa were beaten by AmaZulu 1-0 in an Absa Premiership showdown at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Butholezwe Ncube’s strike was enough for Usuthu to collect maximum points.
Chippa are now second from bottom on the Premiership log with 10 points after 12 games.
The club’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) Lukhanyo Mzinzi confirmed the departure of Tinkler.
“Yes, the coach is no longer with us. He is gone, but I’m busy with the press release, which will elaborate more about his departure,” Mzinzi said.
The press release stated the following:
“Chippa United hereby confirm that it has amicably parted ways with Head Coach Eric Tinkler.
“The Club would like to thank Tinkler for his contribution to the club over the past four months, and wish him the best in his future endeavours.
“The club furthermore wishes to confirm Joel Masutha as the interim coach. Masutha is no stranger to the Chippa United family, having served as Roger Sikhakhane’s assistant when the Club was promoted to the PSL in 2014.
“Further announcements will be made in due course with regard to other administrative changes within the club.”
An attempt to get hold of Tinkler proved futile as his phone rang unanswered.
Changing coaches is synonymous with the Eastern Cape-based side. They fired Dan Malesela after three games this season, and it was the same story last season.
Teboho Moloi took over the reins, but he also didn’t last as he was shown the door before the end of the season.
Vladislav Heric replaced Moloi, but he was unable to secure a long-term tenure either.
Chippa are winless in the last seven games across all the competitions. Their last victory was back on September 15.
The Chilli Boys will have to begin the search for the new coach, and have time at their disposal.
Joel Masutha has been appointed as the interim coach of Chippa United. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Chippa’s next assignment is in Cape Town on December 12 against Cape Town City.
Only one point separates them and bottom side Black Leopards. They have registered only two victories so far this season in the league.
The new coach is facing a mammoth task in turning things around.
The Chilli Boys have assembled a decent team on paper, but positive results have been lacking.
They have the likes of Mark Mayambela, Thabo Rakhale, Kurt Lentjies and Zitha Macheke.
ANNOUNCEMENT: pic.twitter.com/LYqj01NJKc
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) December 2, 2018
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