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Chippa United gave in to public and government pressure on Thursday by withdrawing the appointment of controversial coach Luc Eymael.
The Belgian’s appointment had sparked widespread condemnation from the parent body of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Safa, the local government and social media for his “offensive and racist comments” made at a previous club.
In July, Eymael was fired by Young Africans FC in Tanzania for referring to the club’s supporters as “monkeys and dogs who know nothing about football.”
Eymael was named Chippa’s new coach on Wednesday, just 24 hours after Lehlohonolo Seema was fired.
Chippa’s boss, Siviwe Mpengesi, initially defended Eymael’s appointment on national radio Wednesday night, but was ultimately forced to swallow his pride and shamefully reverse his decision.
Chippa United has a history of hiring and firing coaches, but Eymael’s tenure with the Port Elizabeth team will be the shortest in its history. . . less than 24 hours.
“The club wants to formally announce that it has withdrawn the appointment of Belgian Luc Eymael,” a statement read Thursday afternoon.
“When the processes are complete, a new coaching announcement will be made in due course.
After having announced the appointment of Eymael, the club has considered public outrage.
“There was also the reputational damage done to our brand, and that of our shareholders, partners and sponsors.
“We would like to clarify that the initial decision to make this appointment was based on Eymael’s coaching history, where we felt he was the best person to lead the club to our desired top spot this DStv Premiership season.
“Outside of the written reports, there was no formal instruction, either for us or for any other team, not to employ Eymael.”
“However, as Pride of the Eastern Cape, we represent the legacy of world-renowned anti-discrimination heroes who hail from our province.
“The Chilli Boys play an influential role in the surrounding communities through soccer and our philanthropic work.
“We have people who admire us and respect us for the responsible decisions we make.
“Our withdrawal from this appointment is a recognition of our position on these matters, and the club also fully informed Eymael and his representatives about our position.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Eastern Cape provincial government (ECPG) criticized the Belgian’s appointment.
“The Eastern Cape provincial government is concerned that Chippa United has appointed Luc Eymael as their head coach even though they are aware of the racist and offensive comments he made about blacks supporting his former club,” his statement read.
The statement went on to say that Eymael’s comments had no place in South African society, especially one that has the backing of the NMB and the Buffalo City municipalities.
“We do not believe that a football club that plays in our professional soccer league and a club that is financially supported by the municipalities of the Eastern Cape government should be coached by an unrepentant racist who makes offensive and derogatory statements about other human beings.”
Safa made her intentions clear Wednesday night.
“We find it deeply offensive that since the global soccer community is united in solidarity around the Black Lives Matter campaign, Chippa United would see fit to hire a character to work in the city named after the nation’s founding father. , Tata Nelson. Mandela, the champion of a world free of racism and other forms of discrimination, ”said the statement from the football organization.
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