Chippa United head coach Brandon Truter has responded to mounting media pressure following his team's 4-0 Carling Knockout Cup exit, with Stellenbosch FC next on the schedule. The Chilli Boys were knocked out of the competition's round of 16 by Golden Arrows on Saturday, conceding four goals for the second consecutive match.
Truter addressed the speculation directly, stating the narrative has been unpleasant. "There has been a lot said in the media about me still being here," the Chippa United boss said. He added that constant talk of his dismissal is unwelcome, especially for a developing coach. "It's not nice. It's really not nice," Truter stated.
Stellenbosch FC will host this coastal derby at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening in a better league position. Steve Barker's side are seventh in the Premier Soccer League with 10 points from eight matches, two points and two places above their upcoming opponents. They are unbeaten in their last two league outings, a run that includes a 1-1 draw away to Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month. That result on Saturday 13 October saw Mduduzi Shabalala equalise for Kaizer Chiefs after Sinoxolo Kwayiba had put Stellenbosch ahead. Their record of two wins, four draws and two defeats this season has yielded nine goals scored and eight conceded.
The match represents a chance for Stellenbosch to solidify their top-half position against a side reeling from a heavy defeat. Chippa United have taken just eight points from their opening eight league games and have only one win in the current campaign. Stellenbosch, however, are 13 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race. Truter noted he has rarely had the opportunity to coach in Cape Town at this level, though he claimed a strong personal record there.
Stellenbosch's form reads DWDDL from their last five matches across all competitions, showing resilience with four draws. Their top scorer this season is Q. Plaatjies with three goals. The team's recent form of one win and one draw from their last two matches includes that draw with Kaizer Chiefs and a 1-0 win over Kruger United on Saturday 19 September, secured by a Keanan Johannesen goal. Chippa, meanwhile, have used a consistent group of players through their first eight league games but made rotations for the cup tie after conceding early. Truter explained the changes were a response to the slow start.
With the fixture set for 6pm at Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch will look to extend their unbeaten run to three matches. The full fixtures list shows this is the first of three home games in their next four league outings, a key period for building momentum. Their next fixture is against Chippa United at home on Friday 30 October. Chippa United's aim is to bounce back immediately from their cup disappointment and close the two-point gap to their hosts.
The report in full is at HeraldLIVE
