Chippa United suspend coach Gavin Hunt

Chippa United have suspended coach Gavin Hunt following a string of poor results in the DStv Premiership this season.

ALSO READ: Gavin Hunt’s future at Chippa not guaranteed anymore

The Chilli Boys are currently 14th on the log, having collected only seven points in 10 games under Hunt.

Chippa have won only one game, while losing five and drawing another four. They lead 16th-placed Marumo Gallants by only three points.

Phakaaathi reported earlier that Hunt’s future at Chippa was not guaranteed after a string of poor results and that Chippa owner Siviwe Mpengesi felt that he had been patient enough, and now wants to fix things before they get too bad.

Now, in a statement issued by the club on Monday, Chippa said they will investigate the circumstances surrounding the team’s poor showing this season.

The club statement:

Following the club having endured its worst start to the league of 10 matches and only one victory, the club has placed Head Coach Gavin Hunt on precautionary suspension, whilst it investigates the matter according to its internal processes. 

In the absence of the Head Coach, Kurt Lentjies will take up a caretaker position and shall be assisted by Siyabulela Gwambi. Lentjies has been a stalwart for the club and following his retirement from playing ensured that he attained his coaching qualifications.

His intricate knowledge of the team, players and culture of the club should ensure that the club will be in good stead during this period. 

We trust that these measures will be the beginning of a turnaround to the season and bring hope again to the stakeholders and fans of the Pride of the Eastern Cape.

Lentjies’ first game in charge will be against Baroka on Saturday.

It remains to be seen if Hunt will return from his suspension, but knowing the history of the trigger happy Chippa chairman Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi, one cannot rule out the possibility of his axing.

Chippa have had 13 different coaches in the last six years.