'He showed us the middle finger!': Chippa owner Mpengesi on Lentjies leaving

Chippa United owner Siviwe Mpengesi did not shy away from criticising Kurt Lentjies, saying he let the DStv Premiership club down as he chose to leave with immediate effect.

Lentjies started the 2021/22 season as a player but stepped into a coaching role to help out the Chilli Boys after the club ended their relationship with Gavin Hunt.

Lentjies steered the club to safety, helping United avoid relegation, but instead of being appointed mentor on a full-time basis, Mpengesi opted to give the head coach role to Daine Klate.

Speaking to SAfm, Mpengesi explained that Lentjies was replaced after refusing to toe the line.

The Chilli Boys supremo said: "I believe in development and giving players and coaches an opportunity. I'm beyond disappointed with how things ended with Kurt Lentjies.

"It could have backfired, but he did well for us, but we saw some room for improvement. But he showed us the middle finger and chose to leave.

"He didn't want to work with a more experienced coach. He wanted to run things as a one-man show, and it can't be"

Mpengesi added: "But we are happy with Daine Klate. We used to be the laughing stock in the MDC, but he turned things around for us, and we have to reward him.

"We are confident that next season will be our best season. We also hope that 60 percent of the players will come from the region."