United aiming to score with big supporter base

PORT Elizabeth-bound Premiership League side Chippa United are already working hard to establish a supporter base.

The Chilli Boys are relocating to Port Elizabeth and will use Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as their home.

United enjoyed good crowd support in Cape Town last season and that was one of the main reasons they were promoted.

Owner Siviwe "Chippa" Mpengesi said management was searching for a candidate to head the supporters' club in the city.

"There are three people who we are looking at to market the team.

"Our aim is to beef up marketing and we need someone who has an excellent track record in dealing with the public to do that."

Mpengesi declined to disclose names of the candidates but it is believed Umhlobo Wenene radio station breakfast show presenter Putco Mafani is one of them.

Mafani has previously acted as Kaizer Chiefs' public relations man.

"Just like any other PSL team, we also need to spread our supporting wings across the country but our foundation must be in establishing a home support club.

"The main objective is to have support clubs in each municipal ward in the metro and surrounding areas before we can target other parts of the province."

The team were also looking at forming a partnership with Umhlobo Wenene to get airtime while marketing the team.

Mafani would not comment on a possible link with United.

"There's nothing formal yet but I'll let you know if something materialises," he said. - Mthetho Ndoni