Chippa United has confirmed that coach Kwanele Kopo has stepped down as the club’s head coach.

Chippa confirmed on Tuesday that Kopo was offered a new contract six months ago, but he declined. He cited a desire to return to Johannesburg to be reunited with his family as his primary reason for refusing.

In the meantime, Thabo September, Kopo’s former assistant coach, has been appointed as the club’s new head coach. Mabhuti Khenyeza, who recently left Golden Arrows, will serve as September’s assistant.

Kopo’s departure came as a surprise, as Chippa currently sits comfortably in ninth place with 14 points from 10 matches.

He joined the club in January of this year after leaving Pretoria Callies. In his first season, the club finished 12th, marking the first time they avoided a relegation battle.

September and Khenyeza previously played together at SuperSport United. They achieved success together, winning the Nedbank Cup in 2012 when SuperSport defeated city rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the final. September scored one of the goals at Orlando Stadium.

September and Khenyeza’s first match in charge of Chippa will be against Royal AM at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 11 January 2025.