Chippa United coach reflects on Chilli Boys’ season

Chippa are one of only three teams in the Betway Premiership who have already concluded their season, and have amassed 31 points in the reduced 28-game roster.

This has made sure they avoid relegation, and are currently in position eight on the log pending other results in the upcoming final weekend of the league fixtures.

September says they have achieved their goals, and a top-eight finish would have been a nice-to-have.

"Uhm yes, we didn't make the top eight, but we avoided the relegation early, which was the target since the beginning and the possibilities were there for top eight, but that was not the target,” September said.

“We wanted to get it because it was there, and we had worked hard for it. We want to improve the team, of course. We achieved this part now, where we are, we are number eight, but of course, we're not gonna finish on number eight because the other teams still need to play.

“Whatever position we finish in, we just want to strengthen the team, especially in the midfield and towards the attack."

READ: Raymond Mdaka pushes for high-quality preparatory matches for U20 World Cup

He also admitted that losing Kwanele Kopo as head coach in the middle of the season was a massive blow for them, and they had to adjust quickly to their new reality.

Kopo resigned on the last day of 2024, which saw September take over the reins at the turn of the year, and says the foundation laid by his mentor was key in the second half.

"Losing the coach for us was not an easy thing, it was tough on us and having to take over, but yeah, coach Koppo had put a good strategy, a good plan for us and we were still in touch with our targets. We needed to work really hard going forward."