Chippa United sack Vusumuzi Vilakazi in third coaching change for the season

The match at Buffalo City Stadium had initially been scheduled for Tuesday evening but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch after heavy rains in the Eastern Cape.

Chairman Siviwe Mpengesi took the decision as the Chilli Boys’ woes were compounded by Babina Noko with the loss extending their winless run to five consecutive matches in the closing stages of the campaign.

Mpengesi is now making a fourth coaching change, having started the 2025/26 campaign with Sinethemba Badela and then Luc Eymael.

The Chippa boss has even fired sporting director Sinesipho Mali in what has been a rollercoaster season for the club, who currently languish in 13th position.

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Vilakazi was appointed in October as the Chilli Boys looked to stabilise the early part of the 2025/26 campaign, and the experienced coach oversaw 18 league matches during his stint at the Eastern Cape outfit.

However, the growing threat of relegation ultimately forced the club’s hand, the public broadcaster understands.

It is understood 'Chippa' took the decision to part ways with Vilakazi immediately after the defeat to Sekhukhune, allowing the coach to address the players in the dressing room after the match and effectively say his goodbyes.

Assistant coach Hlanga Dikeni is expected to take charge of the team for the remainder of the season, which is effectively just under two weeks as Chippa fight to preserve their topflight status.

United’s remaining league fixtures are against TS Galaxy away, Golden Arrows at home, and Kaizer Chiefs in Durban.