Vusumuzi Vilakazi during the Betway Premiership match between Chippa United and Polokwane City
Chippa United are set to place their trust in head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi as the club battles to avoid relegation in the closing stages of the Betway Premiership season.
Despite a string of inconsistent results since his return, indications are that the Chilli Boys hierarchy remains firmly behind the experienced mentor, believing he still has what it takes to steer the team to safety.
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Vilakazi, who re-joined the Gqeberha-based outfit in October following the departure of Luc Eymael, has overseen 17 matches so far, recording four wins, six draws and seven defeats. While those numbers reflect a challenging spell, there is an understanding within the club that stability is key during a high-pressure period.
Known as “Kanu” in football circles, Vilakazi has been candid about the team’s priorities since his arrival, repeatedly stressing that the immediate focus is on avoiding the drop, with ambitions of a Top Eight finish to be revisited in future campaigns.
When he took over, Chippa were already in a difficult position, having managed just one win in their opening 10 league matches of the 2025/26 season.
His task has been to steady the ship and gradually improve performances, rather than chase quick fixes.
His return to the club also came at a personal crossroads, having left Kruger United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship – a side that has since gone on to secure promotion to the Betway Premiership – to take on the challenge in the top flight.
Vilakazi is no stranger to the Chippa environment, having previously served as the club’s technical director, and his familiarity with the setup is believed to be one of the reasons management have opted for continuity over change.
With four matches remaining, Chippa currently sit 13th on the table, just four points above bottom-placed Orbit College FC, leaving little margin for error in the run-in.
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Attention now turns to a crucial encounter against Sekhukhune United at Buffalo City Stadium tonight – a fixture that could prove pivotal in their fight for survival.
As pressure mounts, the club’s stance suggests that Vilakazi will be given the backing needed to navigate this critical period, with belief that he can guide the Chilli Boys clear of danger before the curtain falls on the campaign.
Photo by Yanga Nothanga/BackpagePix
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