Siyabulela Gwambi cools down talk on his future at Chippa

By Velile Mnyandu
17th April 2023

Caretaker coach Siyabulela Gwambi says he’s not worried about what management may be thinking but rather focused on the Kaizer Chiefs clash.

Gwambi was responding to questions about being moved from the interim coaching position after seeing his team eliminated from the Nedbank Cup, after losing 2-1 to Sekhukhune United in a quarterfinal match played at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Gqeberha yesterday.

"My main focus now is the Kaizer Chiefs game, we are focusing now on the next games. Whatever happens on the management level, we'll deal with it when we get to it," he said.

Gwambi was in charge of his second game at Chippa this week since he replaced Kurt Lentjies who was demoted to the reserve team last week.

He lost a crucial relegation battle to Marumo Gallants 3-1 last week.

Reflecting on the loss and the fight against relegation, Gwambi says they need to concentrate a bit more, especially on the throw-ins.

"I think on the second goal, we failed to mark. We have to mark, especially on the throw-ins. Sometimes we take the throw-ins very lightly. It's a matter of concentration especially on the first goal. We've been conceding goals like that, especially at the beginning of the season. We tried to improve, so I don't want to say we are going back there, maybe it's just a refresher on those beginning stages of the game, that's where we need to concentrate," he added.

On-form Nigerian striker Godspower Ighodaro netted his 10th goal of the season in all competitions and his first in the Nedbank Cup.

The Chillie Boys have been relying on his goals as they battle to keep their top-flight status.

Ngambi says they always find themselves fighting relegation.

"No one wishes to be in this situation but I find that we find ourselves in a similar position almost every season. It's not what we wish for at the beginning of the season but you know football, it happens. Yes, we need experienced players but we also need energy because most players are tired at this time. So, I think it's all about freshness and energy then we combine that with freshness then we'll get a full combination to tackle the next four games," he concluded.