Chippa United sees Azola Matrose as European material

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, during their camp in Johannesburg, September says Matrose’s return to Gqeberha should not be viewed as a step back for the 21 year-old. Matrose, who hails from Walmer in Gqeberha, was transferred to Pirates from the Chillies Boys more than 18 months ago.

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After struggling to get game time at Pirates and failing to play a single game at the elite level for them, September explains the decision to take him back.

''Unfortunate with his injuries. Unfortunate with the spell he has had at Pirates. We brought him permanently as well, because we feel that he can go beyond Pirates, we want to create that platform for him so that he can expose his talent. We are working on him to get his fitness right because he was out with another injury but in about two weeks time, he will be back in the mix with the team,'' said September.

Matrose had remained on loan to Chippa, where he got a long-term injury that prevented him from playing at Pirates last season.

September and Chippa United’s head coach, Kwanele Kopo, have extensive experience working with youthful players from their time at SuperSport United and believe they can get the best out of Matrose.

''Having worked with youth, we think we can bring out the best out of him. I really think he can go overseas. You see his potential, but the potential must  come with the performance, and we hope to get that mindset on him. He is hungry, he want to play football, he is not downgrading leaving Pirates to come here. And he is ready to take the challenge,'' added September.

September has also explained the decision to permanently sign former junior international and quality left-back Malebogo Modise from Mamelodi Sundowns after impressing on a six-month loan spell last season.

''We want him to be settled in terms of his mind, that is why we went for him, we know what he can do. That's why we took him permanently, we wanted him to be rest assured of his future here. We hope this season becomes his best season,'' he concluded.

Chippa United played seven friendly matches during their training camp in Gauteng over the past week, including matches against Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Botswana giants Township Rollers.

One of the players who impressed September was Aphelele Teto, who was on loan from the Scottish side Livingston FC. He expects him to turn the heads when the new Betway premiership season gets underway next month.