DONE DEAL: Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns mentor appointed new Chippa United head coach as Rhulani Mokwena's trusted lieutenant lands first PSL job after Wydad Casablanca exit

Premier Soccer League side Chippa United have confirmed Sinethemba Badela as their new head coach.

Badela has come in to fill the void left by Thabo September, who left his position at the end of the 2024/25 season.

“We are proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Sinethemba Badela as the new Head Coach of Chippa United Football Club, ahead of what promises to be a defining 2025/26 season," the Chippa statement read.

“Coach Badela hails from Sterkspruit, a town in the Senqu Local Municipality, part of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality in our beloved Eastern Cape. His journey is a testament to what is possible when potential meets opportunity, and we are honoured to give him the platform to lead our club at the highest level.

“This marks his first appointment as a head coach in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) – a moment of pride not just for him, but for us as a club. We have built a reputation for giving young and emerging coaches the opportunity to lead, choosing innovation over recycling, and purpose over familiarity. Football is evolving, and so are we."

Although this will be Badela's first assignment as head coach in the top flight, Chilli Boys are confident in his experience.

“Coach Badela brings with him international experience, having served as assistant coach at Wydad AC in Morocco, one of the most decorated clubs in African football. He now steps into this leadership role with the backing of our club, our supporters, and the province we call home," a club statement continued.

“As the only PSL club in the Eastern Cape, we carry not just the hopes of our supporters, but the weight of regional pride. We strive to be more than a club – we are a symbol of possibility, a beacon for talent, and a footballing home for the Pride of the Eastern Cape.

“Coach Badela will lead our technical preparations for the new season, and additional members of the technical team will be announced in due course.”

Last season, Badela was an assistant to Rhulani Mokwena when he was in charge of Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca.

They also worked together at Mamelodi Sundowns, where Badela served as the reserve team head coach.

Before joining Sundowns in 2023, he coached Cape Town All Stars in the NFD.

Much will be expected of the tactician, even though this is the first time he is becoming a head coach of a PSL side.

Focus will now shift to the pre-season programme and, on top of that, his business in the transfer window.

Last season, Chilli Boys finished 11th and failed to hit their top-eight mark, and Badela's appointment is expected to help the club aim even higher.