Badela out to turn Chippa United into a strong force

CHIPPA United coach Sinethemba Badela is aiming to turn the club into a more competitive force as they begin yet another season with fresh leadership at the helm.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

The Chilli Boys face a tough opening fixture. They host reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturdya in a 3pm kickoff.

The Eastern Cape outfit last met Sundowns in league action in a match that ended in a heavy 3-0 defeat. Since then, they parted ways with former coach Thabo September, and now Badela steps in with the responsibility of guiding the club toward a more respectable finish this season.

Badela, who previously worked as an assistant and development coach at Sundowns, was also part of Rhulani Mokwena' staff during their brief spell with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca, which lasted just one season.

He believes that the experience he gained working under Mokwena has equipped him well for his first stint as ahead coach in the top flight, and he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.