Chippa shot themselves in the foot – Mkhalele

Malesela was placed on “special leave” after the club went on a losing streak of 10 league games.

Chippa chairperson Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi has since recalled Malesela again with only just a few games to go.

READ: Malesela back at Chippa United

“The damage has already been done, the image and the integrity of the coach has now been compromised,” Mkhalele told Phakaaathi.

“If they manage to turn their situation around, I think that will be pure luck,” added the former Orlando Pirates star.

Meanwhile, Mkhalele said he was hoping that newly promoted Thanda Royal Zulu would not sack coach Roger Sikhakhane.

“I hope the trend of giving coaches who have taken a team into the Absa Premiership a couple of games in the top flight, then dismissing them, will come to an end.

“We saw what happened with Roger Sikhakhane when he won promotion with Chippa. I just hope Thanda Royal Zulu took note of that from a distance and do not commit the same mistake, because continuity is key to any club’s success.

“Congratulations to Roger for doing it again, he has proved he is a quality coach. The promotion of Thanda is also good for the province of KwaZulu-Natal – to have more teams in the top flight. It is encouraging, and it means more opportunities for the youngsters in the province.

“I am expecting the team to continue with Sikhakhane in order to remain stable. But they need to start working harder because it will not be easy. They are aware that the standard in the Premiership is very high – they have been there before.”