New year, new coach for Chippa

[caption id="attachment_67745" align="alignright" width="224"] ERNST MIDDENDORP -[/caption]

Chippa United are hoping a change of coach and new personnel will boost their chances of a top eight place in the Absa Premiership as they start the year with a tricky away trip to University of Pretoria tonight.

The Port Elizabeth side have replaced coach Roger Sikhakhane with Ernst Middendorp and made four new signings in the January transfer window in an attempt to arrest a slide that saw them go winless in their five league matches before the Christmas break.

All of the strengthening has come in the defensive positions – at fullback with Ruben Cloete on the left and Kristopher Bergman on the right. Central defender Msekeli Mvalo has rejoined the club to further bolster the backline, along with another defender, Thabiso Mgwaba.

It is clear where Middendorp believed strengthening was needed and it is typical of his approach to look to be defensively sound first.

-Nick Said