Badela Credits Mentor Mokwena

Chippa United’s new head coach, Sinethemba Badela, feels privileged to have been mentored by Rulani Mokwena, ex-coach of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Badela is stepping into his first head coach role for a top-flight club, taking over from Thabo September. September was unable to qualify the team for the top eight, and they finished 11th in the Betway Premiership league.

Having served as Mokwena’s assistant coach at Wydad Casablanca last season, Badela brings a wealth of football knowledge and expertise to his new position.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns academy coach expressed his deep gratitude to Mokwena, stating that his mentor taught him everything he knows about football.

“I must say it’s unbelievable to be mentored by coach Rulani and to be by his side and learn from him every day,” said Badela.

“He has taught me a lot of things; he has taught me how to win. Everything that I know, I’ve learnt from him, and he has supported me a lot.”

Badela also noted that he is looking forward to the challenge of leading Chippa, adding that he will apply everything he has learned from Mokwena to guide the team.

“So I feel very privileged to have worked with him, and I’m looking forward now to taking this challenge at Chippa United. It’s not an easy project, but I’m excited about it, building a new team, and hopefully I can take everything that I’ve learnt from coach Rulani at Sundowns because he is the one who brought me closer to the first team and to be that,” Badela added.

“Hopefully I can take all those things that I’ve learnt from him and obviously add some of my ideas, and hopefully we can have a successful season ahead.”

Chippa will host the league defending champions, Sundowns, at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday (15:00).