New Chippa United head coach Sinethemba Badela is quietly orchestrating a rebuild at the Gqeberha-based club.
Following the departure of Thabo September, Badela has taken charge and wasted no time setting the tone in pre-season. Behind the scenes, the club is working to reshape the squad-and several new faces are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Among them is former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Harold Majadibodu, who has been spotted training with the team, according to Soccer Laduma.
The 29-year-old spent last season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with the University of Pretoria and now looks poised to make his topflight return.
Majadibodu, a versatile player capable of operating at right-back or in central defence, brings valuable experience, having previously turned out for the likes of Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) and Richards Bay.
Chippa are also set to bolster their midfield ranks with the expected arrival of Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni on loan from Orlando Pirates.
Mosele, in particular, showed flashes of promise during limited opportunities at the Buccaneers, but has fallen further down the pecking order following the Soweto giants’ recent midfield reinforcements.
Chippa United narrowly missed out on a top-eight finish last season, and with the club notorious for a high coaching turnover, Badela knows that results will be demanded early.
However, his early moves suggest a plan for a more settled and competitive side.