Collecting four points from a possible 24 is what led Chippa United chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi to fire coach Daniel ‘Dance’ Malesela.
And a 5-1 drubbing by Maritzburg United on Saturday was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. This was the Team of Choice’s biggest win ever.
Malesela knew when match referee Masixole Bambiso blew the final whistle on Saturday that that was the end of the road for him at the Gqeberha-based club.
“After the scoreline I expected this,” Malesela, a former TS Galaxy and Cape Town All Stars coach, said.
Surprisingly, the former Manning Rangers, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates defender has not ruled out any future return to the Chilli Boys.
“You can never know. But I have learnt my hard lesson,” the 1988 BobSave Superbowl winning captain said.
Having overseen the coaching of the Chilli Boys since the festive season, Malesela has highlighted that the Chilli Boys’ limited squad played a role in his sacking.
“To be honest, the club has a limited squad. Lots of limitations in terms of playing personnel. It’s gonna be difficult for anyone who comes here because of limitations, injuries and suspensions,” Malesela.
The Chilli Boys last won when they whipped Black Leopards 3-0 in Thohoyandou on 23 January. Thereafter, the Chilli Boys played eight DStv Premiership matches – drawing four and losing four.
Malesela has, however, taken the Chilli Boys to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup where they have an away date with GladAfrica Championship Pretoria Callies.
