Chippa United are set to relocate their base from Gqeberha to East London, a move confirmed by coach Thabo September.

The decision aims to minimize distractions for his players, allowing them to concentrate on achieving their current and future goals.

Chippa already play some of their home matches at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London, where they have experienced considerable success, securing four of their six home wins this season. The remaining two home victories occurred at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where they are scheduled to host Kaizer Chiefs on 19 April.

Due to Kaizer Chiefs’ large fanbase, despite their current form, the match cannot be held at the smaller venue in East London.

Coach September welcomed the impending relocation, highlighting its potential to help players like Azola Metrose regain their form by providing a familiar, home-like environment.

“There is a possibility of the club moving to East London to create a more focused and homely atmosphere,” September stated after his team’s goalless draw against Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday. “There is a possibility of the club moving to East London to get out of the safe and being in a nice environment of being at home,” said September after his side drew goalless against Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday. 

“He realise that he (Metrose) needs to work, so we hope the move to East London happens so that players that are from Port Elizabeth can get homely environment and start taking football as a professional.”  

Chippa, currently ninth in the Betway Premiership table with 29 points from 22 matches, are pursuing a top-eight finish for the first time since the 2015/16 season under coach Dan Malesela.

However, the competition for MTN8 spots is fierce, with a tight points spread between fourth-placed Stellenbosch and 11th-placed Magesi, separated by only nine points.

“We hope the robots turn green for us from the traffic jam to go past,” said September. 

“But we have a tough run: we still have to play Mamelodi Sundowns twice, Chiefs, we must go away to SuperSport United and Marumo Gallants, Stellenbosch away.  

“So, it is a tough run, but we have a good squad. We must believe because some teams, the way it is tight, might crack under pressure and hopefully we don’t. 

“To come away to Golden Arrows, to 0-0 and a clean sheet, it’s a big point for us.”