The “Chilli Boyz” have lived up to their reputation as South African football’s most volatile club. Following a disastrous 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United on Wednesday night, Chippa United officially parted ways with head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
This marks the third coaching casualty for the club this season alone, signaling a state of high alert as the Eastern Cape side slides dangerously close to the relegation trapdoor.
The Coaching Carousel: 2025-26 Edition
Chippa United’s bench has been a revolving door this campaign. Vilakazi’s exit follows a pattern of short-lived tenures aimed at sparking “new manager bounce” that has yet to materialize:
- Sinethemba Badela: Lasted just 2 games.
- Luc Eymael: Lasted 7 games.
- Vusumuzi Vilakazi: Dismissed after 18 games following back-to-back heavy defeats (5-1 vs. AmaZulu and 3-1 vs. Sekhukhune).
The Survival Math
The situation in Gqeberha is dire. With only three matches remaining, Chippa United sits in 13th place with 24 points.
Crucially, they are only two points clear of the relegation playoff spot. The recent defensive collapse—conceding eight goals in just two matches—has forced Chairman Chippa Mpengesi to pull the trigger in a desperate bid to preserve the club’s top-flight status.
The Final Three: A Mission for Survival
The next three weeks will determine whether the Chilli Boyz remain in the Betway Premiership or face the drop.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
| Sat, 9 May | TS Galaxy | Mbombela Stadium | 15:00 |
| Sat, 16 May | Golden Arrows | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium | 15:00 |
| Sat, 23 May | Kaizer Chiefs | Moses Mabhida Stadium | 15:00 |
