Chippa United boss says chairman’s backing helped inspire Stellenbosch victory

Chippa United coach Brandon Truter says chairman Siviwe Mpengesi’s renewed support gave the squad confidence before their 2-0 win over Stellenbosch at the weekend.

Mpengesi visited the team ahead of Saturday’s match at Danie Craven Stadium to reaffirm his belief in the players and coaching staff. Truter believes the chairman’s intervention helped create a positive atmosphere as Chippa secured only their second victory of the season.

The result leaves Chippa United seventh in the league table, with 11 points from nine matches.

“It was a difficult week for us and an enlightening one, the chairman visited us and he just reaffirmed his belief in the squad and belief in everybody,” Truter said.

“And that gave us a bit of confidence and from there the training was good and the preparations were well and the boys knew what they had to do against Stellenbosch.

“Thanks to their effort we were disciplined in defence; the guys worked their socks off for those results and the biggest obstacle for us now is how we will manage it.”

Truter praised the team’s defensive organisation and work rate but acknowledged that maintaining that level would be the next challenge.

The coach also criticised media coverage that he believes has suggested he should lose his job during a difficult run of results.

“There has been a lot said in the media about me still being around at Chippa. I don’t really read much of what’s said in the media, but when I have time, I see that they are saying I should’ve been fired,” he said.

“But Chippa last season, how many points did they have [at this stage of the season]? They had one, so where are we now and how is the start?”

Truter said pressure was part of his role, while insisting that the club was making progress under his leadership.

“The media is driving the narrative that I should be fired. Yes, there is pressure, we need to win and we are entertainers as well. But sometimes we need to be mindful of how we do things.

“At Chippa there is a culture where we are trying to end the stigma that’s around the media. The team is doing well at the moment and there’s progress.”

Chippa United’s next fixture is against Kaizer Chiefs on November 28 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.