Chippa United coach Luc Eymael admits that there is still plenty of work that needs to be done following Chippa’s rocky start to the season.
The Chilli Boys suffered their fourth successive defeat when they were beaten 3-0 by Orlando Pirates at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, a result that leaves them anchored to the bottom of the table.
Chippa had opened their campaign with a promising 1-1 draw against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but a shock decision to part ways with co-coaches Sinethemba Badela and Musa Nyatama backfired badly as the club went on a four-match losing streak.
Eymael, who was taking charge of his first game against Pirates, admitted that significant improvement is needed if Chippa are to climb out of the relegation zone.
“There’s a lot of work to do. I knew that already when I was watching from the stands against Richards Bay,” Eymael said after the match.
“We tried to correct some tactical things, but we need a lot more improvement to get Chippa out of this position.”
The Belgian tactician also highlighted the lack of experience and physical conditioning in his squad as key areas of concern.
“I think we need a few more experienced players. This team is very young, and they are not yet fit in the way I want them to be. So yes, there’s a lot of work to do.”
With Chippa’s next league fixture set for 16 September against newly-promoted Orbit College after the FIFA international break, Eymael welcomed the opportunity to work extensively with his players.
“I’m happy that we have two weeks. We have to work a lot, also mentally, and I’m already working on that,” he added.
“In the first 45 minutes against Pirates, the boys didn’t give up. We’ll keep working on tactics, on physical fitness, and certainly on mentality. Winning is a culture, and it’s been a long time since Chippa finished in the top eight. If we manage to do that this season, it would already be a success.”
Chippa have conceded 10 goals while scoring only twice in their opening five matches, a worrying statistic Eymael must address quickly to turn their season around.