Chippa announce new technical director amid Papic shockwaves

BAY Premier Soccer League side Chippa United will not be rushing out to appoint a new head coach following the shock departure of Kosta Papic earlier this week.

Papic resigned from the Chilli Boys on Wednesday, less than three months after taking the job. He cited unhappiness at the fact that club management had appointed Mich D'Avray as a technical director of the team. The 54-year-old Serb bluntly said he could do without the interference.

United communication manager Lukhanyo Mzinzi said Papic's resignation had caught everyone in the club by surprise but that life would carry on regardless.

"The future of the team is simple, the technical team will remain as it is and we don't have any intention of appointing a new coach soon.

"Our former coach Papic stated in a meeting with the chairman of the club [Chippa Mpengesi] he wanted the technical team to remain with the team, because this is the same technical team that was in charge of the side when we defeated Platinum Stars in our first league game of the season."

Assistant coach Roger Sikhakhane, who had a brief spell as head coach when the club was in the PSL two seasons ago, has been appointed as a caretaker coach.

Mzinzi said Sikhakhane and the rest of the technical team – made up of Joel Masuthu, Brian van der Heever and Faried Cassiem – would be on the bench to guide the side.

D'Avray would develop the club's sides and other aspects outside of the senior team.

"The best way to handle the situation is not to bring a new coach to the team at this time, no matter how good he is, because he will destabilise the squad.

"Sikhakhane will take charge of the team until the club announces a permanent replacement." Meanwhile the appointment of D'Avray as a technical director was officially announced by the club yesterday.

"Mich played an instrumental role in Bloemfontein Celtic's tremendous success in recent times. We are excited at the prospect of benefiting from his wealth of experience and expertise as we strive to take Chippa United to the next level," Mpengesi said.

The former Ipswich Town midfielder, who also represented England at U21 level, has enjoyed stints as manager of Premiership League teams Moroka Swallows and Cape Town Spurs. "I seek to impress upon our players that they have the potential to be successful and I believe I can play a part in inspiring the Chilli Boys to attain that success," D'Avray said. - Mthetho Ndoni