There’s an old adage that says, “everything good comes to an end so that a new chapter can begin and succeed”.
And so, as Kwanele Kopo’s contract as the head coach of Chippa United was not renewed “for personal reasons, which include returning to Johannesburg,” perhaps it was fate.
I have known Kopo for some time, starting from his days as the coach of SuperSport United reserves, having coached in the club’s youth structures too.
Under his tutelage and mentorship in the reserves a lot of players went on to become superstars, including Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana’s ace Teboho Mokoena.
And having groomed some of the finest talent in the land, Kopo had always wanted to be a head coach of a club in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
He initially got that opportunity at Pretoria Callies in the NFD. He also showed his prowess there, reviving the career of Oswin Appollis who’s now the talk of the town.
His stint at the club was so good that he was approached by Chippa. Initially, the negotiations fell through, but the Chilli Boys came calling again last season.
The Kariega-born coach heeded the call, joining the Gqeberha-based club – which is less than 30 minutes away from his hometown.
And having Kopo done well with September, including leading the team to the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup, Kopo was promoted to be sole head coach, and the latter was his assistant.
Boy, he grabbed the bull by the horns. In 11 games this season, Kopo won four, drew two and lost five. He left the team a whopping eight points clear from basement Magesi.
You see, the fact that Chilli Boys’ owner Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi is trigger happy cannot be sidelined especially after Kopo lost the last game to Kaizer Chiefs during the festive season.
But the club needs to be lauded for the ascension of September as the new head coach. After all, this means a lot to him as well.
September like Kopo is first and foremost a coach that made his mark at SuperSport youth academy – ensuring the team won the DStv Diski Challenge.
He didn’t end there. The reserve team produced some of the finest young players. The most notable one now is Shandre Campbell who joined Club Brugge this season.
So add to the fact that September is not only expected to take the club to dizzying heights, but only play a key role in its elevation of youngsters.
The 42-year-old also brings a wealth of playing experience especially having captained SuperSport. So again, that Kopo was replaced by someone like September is perhaps fate.
September will be assisted by Mabhuti Khanyeza in his new role. The latter recently left Golden Arrrows where he was also a head coach. So should the duo blend well together, they could take the Chilli Boys to greater heights.