Small details make the difference

Chippa United's latest chapter has begun under the guidance of Belgian coach Luc Eymael, a familiar figure in South African football. Known for his forthright personality and no-nonsense approach, Eymael returns to the PSL at a time when the Chilli Boys find themselves in a precarious position at the foot of the league table. Having previously coached in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Egypt, Eymael brings both experience and conviction to his new role. His mission, however, is clear and immediate: To steady the Chilli Boys and steer the club away from the threat of relegation. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, Eymael speaks about his decision to return to Mzansi, the challenges of inheriting a struggling squad, his early impressions of the players, and what the road ahead looks like for the Eastern Cape outfit.

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MQ: Coach, welcome back. How does it feel to return to South Africa and to be back on the touchline with Chippa United?

LE: It's a good feeling; I'm really happy to be back. I should have gone back to the DRC because I qualified the team there for the CAF Champions League, but when the offer came from Chippa United, I took it for many reasons.

MQ: What was the main motivation behind accepting the Chippa United job, considering the team's current struggles?

LE: South Africa is like a second home for me. I knew it would be a difficult challenge, but I hope we will succeed. You know, the chairman (Siviwe "Chippa" Mpengesi) has been calling me every year - this time it felt right to return.

MQ: You've taken over a side that finds itself at the bottom of the Betway Premiership log. What do you see as the immediate challenges that need to be addressed?

LE: The first big step was the Orbit College game - it was very important for us to win that match. I've already seen a lot of gaps in the team. But to be fair to the players, in a short period they've had three or four coaches, so it's not easy to adapt to different methods and visions of football. Now, we need to work hard to get the team out of the hole.

MQ: What is your assessment of the squad you've inherited from coach Sinethemba Badela?

LE: I don't like to talk about colleagues, but if you compare Chippa this season to last season, many experienced players were released. I don't know the reasons - that's not my concern - my job is to work with what I have. But the truth is, this squad has many players who've never played in the PSL. They must adapt to the rhythm, the pace, and the standard of the league. That means working hard, showing their qualities, and limiting their weaknesses.

MQ: Do you feel you have the right mix of players to turn things around, or are reinforcements in January going to be key?