Luc Eymael leans on Free State Stars stint to steer Chippa United revival
1st September 2025
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Chippa United’s new head coach Luc Eymael is drawing strength from his first coaching job in South Africa, at Free State Stars, a team that he saved from relegation.
The Belgian tactician was in the dugout when Chippa suffered their fourth defeat of the season, as they were hammered 3-0 by Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership match in Gqeberha yesterday.
Eymael says they need experienced talent to save the team.
"A lot of work is needed to get Chippa out of this position, it is a position I don't appreciate at all, however, we all know what happened when I was with Free State Stars, and during my stay there, we lost the first two matches, and then our season got back on track.
"This team is not as fit as I want them to be, and I feel that this young team needs more experience."
Chippa are sitting at the bottom of the log after five matches, and they have also conceded the most goals (10) in the league so far.
Eymael says he will use the current international break to work hard with his new team.
It’s also been some time since Chippa last finished in the top eight, Eymael says the mentality of the players also needs to improve, and they must show some hunger.
Eymael, who has previously coached against Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains positive about this project.
But a lot will have to change to get them out of this situation, with former Kaizer Chiefs striker Ranga Chivaviro looking like a big possibility to join them.
"I didn't come here to spoil my name, I came here because I know that Chippa United have not finished in the top eight for a very long time. I knew they were bottom of the league.
"We need more experienced players who will allow us not to give gifts to the opposition."
