In a bizarre turn of events, Chippa United have re-signed former coach Dan “Dance” Malesela only 12 days after announcing that Serbian Vladislav Heric had been handed the job.
The club issued a statement confirming Malesela’s shock appointment on social media and their website yesterday afternoon, only eight months after firing him for non-performance.
Malesela would return to Chippa next season, executive chairman Siviwe Mpengesi announced.
“Chippa United’s longest-serving coach Malesela will take over the reins from Heric, who will move over to development. Heric asked to run the club’s development structure and Mbuyiselo Sambu will be Malesela’s assistant coach.
On May 15, a statement on the club’s website, attributed to Mpengesi, read: “I am delighted to announce that we have opted to extend Heric’s contract with the club for the 2018-19 season.
“Heric joined us in March and at the time we were in 13th position, almost facing relegation. He, and the technical team, did a tremendous job, almost guiding us to the top eight.
“This time he will have the opportunity to take the team to the preseason in preparation for the 2018-19 season.” But that all changed yesterday. “There is a deal we are about to clinch with a certain institution in terms of development, but we can’t divulge its name.
“So, when the coach [Heric] heard this news he requested to be reassigned to head our development team because he already has similar projects in Cape Town.“Even though we wanted him to be our head coach he said no, he wants to be in charge of development,” Mpengesi said.
“We have been in talks with Dan Malesela. He is a good coach and he is loved by our supporters. “We are very excited about Dan’s return.” He said Malesela was over the moon. “Dan also loves this club. To him it’s not even about the job.“His brand is linked to Chippa United. Whenever Dan’s name is mentioned, Chippa United is also mentioned.”
Mpengesi fired Malesela in September after a 3-1 home defeat to Baroka and the coach vowed at the time he would never return to Port Elizabeth.
“I don’t think I’ll be back in PE ever again, I don’t think I’ll do that.
“I will not degrade myself to that level,” Malesela said at the time.
When contacted yesterday, the former Orlando Pirates defender said: “This is not the right time. It’s my birthday today and I am celebrating it with my friends and family.”