Bilankulu Unfazed by Khenyeza’s Return With Chippa United
Golden Arrows co-coach Musa Bilankulu appears unfazed by the prospect of facing Chippa United, who boast their former co-coach Mabhuti Khenyeza as assistant coach.
Arrows will host Chippa in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday (15:00). Khenyeza previously departed from Arrows after allegedly experiencing interference from club management.
The club subsequently confirmed Khenyeza’s absence for a week and Sportswire was informed of his definitive departure. Khenyeza’s representatives, recognizing his unwillingness to return, began exploring new opportunities.
The opportunity arose at Chippa United, where he joined Thabo September’s coaching staff following Kwanele Kopo’s departure earlier this month.
“I think as Golden Arrows, we will focus on what we have to do on the day,” said Bilankulu when he was asked by Sportswire whether it would work to their advantage or not that Khenyeza is on another side.
“As I have said, the boys are really looking forward to the game because this is only silverware that we have to fight for other than the league.
“Golden Arrows will play Golden Arrows way. When we have the ball, we have to fight and that is the same when we don’t have the ball.
“So, we have to play to go through to the next round.”
Arrows, currently eighth in the Betway Premiership with 19 points from 13 matches, were eliminated in the first round of 32 last season by TS Galaxy. In the 2022/23 season, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Royal AM in extra time.
Their best performance in this cup came in the 2018/19 season, where they reached the semi-finals before being defeated by Galaxy, who were then campaigning in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Interestingly, Khenyeza and September previously won this cup together as players in the 2011/12 season with SuperSport United. Hunt’s side defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 at Orlando Stadium, with September contributing one of the goals. September also won the cup again in the 2015/16 season with SuperSport, defeating Orlando Pirates in Polokwane.
