Vilakazi Axed By Chippa As Looming FIFA Ban Plunges Club Into Chaos
Chippa United has sacked coach Vusumuzi “Kanu” Vilakazi with immediate effect.
The Chilli Boys axed the tactician immediately after Sekhukhune United dismantled them 3-1 in their replayed fixture at the Buffalo City Stadium on Wednesday.
The original fixture on Tuesday afternoon was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch, forcing the PSL to reschedule the clash for the following day. However, the extra 24 hours did little to help Vilakazi, as a clinical Sekhukhune performance ultimately sealed his fate.
Appointed in October, Vilakazi was the fifth coach to lead the Gqeberha-based outfit this season alone, following the rapid-fire departures of Sinethemba Badela, Musa Nyatama, Morgan Mammila, and Luc Eymael.
How Have FIFA Sanctioned Chippa United Over Luc Eymael?
The managerial merry-go-round has left Chippa United facing severe consequences off the pitch. Former coach Luc Eymael dragged the club to FIFA, contesting his quick-fire dismissal as unlawful.
FIFA ruled in the Belgian’s favor, slap-marking Chippa United with a transfer ban. The club cannot register any new players unless they pay Eymael his outstanding settlement within 45 days to have the embargo lifted.
Why Did Chippa United Sack Vusumuzi Vilakazi?
Vilakazi leaves Chippa United sitting precariously in 13th place on the Betway Premiership table, with just 24 points from 27 matches.
During his tenure, the 43-year-old oversaw 18 matches in all competitions, recording:
- 4 Wins
- 8 Defeats
- 6 Draws
With only three matches remaining in the season, the Chilli Boys find themselves flirting dangerously close to the relegation play-off zone.
It remains to be seen who chairman Chippa Mpengesi will appoint to navigate the club’s final three high-stakes fixtures as they fight to preserve their top-flight status.
