Chippa United coach Brandon Truter says chairman Siviwe Mpengesi’s show of support helped restore confidence before their 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
Mpengesi visited the squad before the match against Stellenbosch, known as Stellies, to reaffirm his faith in the players and coaching staff. Truter believes that intervention lifted the mood around the team and contributed to their second victory.
The result leaves Chippa United seventh in the league table, with 11 points from nine matches. Truter said the chairman’s visit came during a demanding period for the club.
“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 said the team’s defensive organisation and work rate were central to securing the three points, but admitted the next challenge would be maintaining that level after the win.
He also criticised media coverage suggesting that he should lose his job, claiming there had been pressure on him while results were not arriving.
“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?”
Chippa United had one point at the same stage last season, according to Truter, who said the team’s current position showed progress despite the scrutiny.
“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.
