Time For Redemption: Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo ready to haunt Matsatsantsa after 21-year journey was cut short - 'I didn’t leave SuperSport United, they left me'

Chippa United have started the season with mixed results, securing three wins, three losses, and one draw, currently sitting in sixth place with ten points.

Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September have guided the Gqeberha-based side in the right direction since taking over in July.

The duo spent years in the capital, with Kopo dedicating over two decades to Matsatsantsa, while former United captain September, originally from Knysna, spent over a decade with the club, winning several trophies.

Reflecting on his time at United, the former development coach spoke about his 20-year tenure and shared his feelings on the upcoming clash after the international break and how it will feel to face his former club.

“I didn’t leave SuperSport, SuperSport left me. Supersport decided that they were restructuring,” said Kopo as reported by Farpost.

“And unfortunately I was amongst the people that, because I was with the youth academy I was amongst the people that got retrenched for lack of a better word.

“So, didn’t really opt to leave Supersport it was a very difficult period for me personally having spent 21 years in the club and having started the academy for that club.

“The next game is Supersport United um it will always be emotional playing against Supersport United for both myself and Thabo September,” he added.

“But I think God has given us an opportunity you know, they say when one door closes another one opens. God has given us an opportunity at Chippa United and we will forever be grateful to the Mpengesi family and the chairman for that.

“Now, it’s up to us to with these players to really put our hands up to show what we are capable of doing.”

Kopo and September are aware of the challenging environment at Chippa United, where the chairman’s impatience with underperformance is well known.

The duo is committed to securing valuable points and stabilizing the club’s position, aiming for a solid league standing that ensures continued growth and trust from club management.

Chippa's next fixture is a high-stakes clash against SuperSport.

A victory could propel them into the top four, adding further significance to an already emotional encounter for Kopo and September.