Chippa United is close to signing former Royal AM players Sisanda Mbhele and Bandile Dlamini.
These players are expected to be part of the new squad unveiled by Chippa United in the coming days, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Sinethemba Badela.
Badela’s appointment as head coach also saw him bring in former Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama as part of his technical team. They are taking over from Thabo September and Mabhuti Khenyeza, who served as head and assistant coaches, respectively, and departed the club at the end of last season.
In addition to Mbhele and Dlamini, Chippa United is also set to unveil Justice Figareido and Somila Ntsundwana, both of whom left Richards Bay at the end of last season. Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni, both on loan from Orlando Pirates, have also been linked with moves to Chippa. Neither Mosele nor Tshobeni were seen participating in Pirates’ pre-season camp in Spain, fueling speculation about their impending transfers.
Mbhele was promoted to Royal AM’s senior team during the 2023/24 season by coach John Maduka, following impressive performances in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). Due to Royal AM’s DDC team being excluded from participation last season because of a FIFA transfer ban, Mbhele was quickly integrated into the first team. He featured in four matches for the club, which has since ceased to exist.
According to the PSL draft, Chippa United will kick off their 2025/26 season by hosting defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday, 9 August.