Chippa United coach Roger Sikhakhane faces an uncertain future following damaging claims that he was under the influence of alcohol during a match in Mthatha at the weekend.
Sikhakhane has been placed on “special leave” after club officials and players reported him to management following the team’s 1-0 defeat in the inaugural Nelson Mandela Commemoration Cup game against Mthatha Bucks on Sunday.
The 40-year-old KwaZulu-Natal-born coach spoke of what he called his “suspension” on a national radio station on Monday evening and vehemently denied the allegations.
Instead, he said this was all part of a not-so-intricate plot by Chippa’s management to get rid of him.
Sikhakhane told The Herald, the Dispatch’s sister paper, he received an email from the club on Monday notifying him that he was placed on “special leave”.
The club has since instituted an inquiry against him about allegations of “gross neglegence”.
He has been given until Friday to respond to the allegations of being under the influence on duty. Sikhakhane could face the sack if found guilty.
“The email said they were still investigating the charges they have laid against me which are arriving late for the game, fighting with the team manager and smelling of alcohol on match day,” said Sikhakhane.
“Which are all not true . I was sitting with the chairman and the players. How can you say I smelt of alcohol?”
Sikhakhane suggested the club’s chief operating officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi is behind the plot to oust him.
“Lukhanyo was not even there. He was in East London and the team was in Mthatha,” said Sikhakhane.
“You cannot bring personal issues or external issues inside the club and use them against someone. Whoever is trying to plot will come out at the end of the day.
“Roger is not bigger than Chippa United, Lukhanyo is not bigger than Chippa United. In any working environment you need to respect someone’s position.
“I know I need to report issues to the manager when we are in camp. I cannot report them to Lukhanyo.
“Someone who is never around the club . . . someone who doesn’t inquire for any club reports to find out what is happening inside the team. You cannot run a team like that.
“Since the season started he (Lukhanyo) has not called a single meeting with the technical team to find the way forward about our future plans.”
Mzinzi declined to comment on Sikhakhane’s claims yesterday saying the club was in the process of an investigation and that any comment he makes could jeopardise the case.
Sikhakhane said yesterday he had not yet responded to the club’s email.
“ I have handed over the issue to my lawyer.”
The coach, said he would now wait and hear what the club decides on.
“I am still part of the team but I don’t think I am allowed to have any interactions with the players.”
He said he would remain with the club if proven innocent.
“Yes, if I am not guilty. It’s just an allegation but the problem is now they went over to the media and talked about things they are not sure of.
“They were supposed to call me and get my side of the story or send me a letter before they even suspend me.”
Chippa United released a statement confirming Sikhakhane being placed on “special leave”.
The statement added that assistant coach Dan Malesela will step in as head coach in the interim.
It also confirmed the team’s next PSL match against Bloemfontein Celtic will be played in the Bay next Friday and not in East London.
Coach hits out over Chilli Boys booze charge
Sikhakhane has been placed on “special leave” after club officials and players reported him to management following the team’s 1-0 defeat in the inaugural Nelson Mandela Commemoration Cup game against Mthatha Bucks on Sunday.
The 40-year-old KwaZulu-Natal-born coach spoke of what he called his “suspension” on a national radio station on Monday evening and vehemently denied the allegations.
Instead, he said this was all part of a not-so-intricate plot by Chippa’s management to get rid of him.
Sikhakhane told The Herald, the Dispatch’s sister paper, he received an email from the club on Monday notifying him that he was placed on “special leave”.
The club has since instituted an inquiry against him about allegations of “gross neglegence”.
He has been given until Friday to respond to the allegations of being under the influence on duty. Sikhakhane could face the sack if found guilty.
“The email said they were still investigating the charges they have laid against me which are arriving late for the game, fighting with the team manager and smelling of alcohol on match day,” said Sikhakhane.
“Which are all not true . I was sitting with the chairman and the players. How can you say I smelt of alcohol?”
Sikhakhane suggested the club’s chief operating officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi is behind the plot to oust him.
“Lukhanyo was not even there. He was in East London and the team was in Mthatha,” said Sikhakhane.
“You cannot bring personal issues or external issues inside the club and use them against someone. Whoever is trying to plot will come out at the end of the day.
“Roger is not bigger than Chippa United, Lukhanyo is not bigger than Chippa United. In any working environment you need to respect someone’s position.
“I know I need to report issues to the manager when we are in camp. I cannot report them to Lukhanyo.
“Someone who is never around the club . . . someone who doesn’t inquire for any club reports to find out what is happening inside the team. You cannot run a team like that.
“Since the season started he (Lukhanyo) has not called a single meeting with the technical team to find the way forward about our future plans.”
Mzinzi declined to comment on Sikhakhane’s claims yesterday saying the club was in the process of an investigation and that any comment he makes could jeopardise the case.
Sikhakhane said yesterday he had not yet responded to the club’s email.
“ I have handed over the issue to my lawyer.”
The coach, said he would now wait and hear what the club decides on.
“I am still part of the team but I don’t think I am allowed to have any interactions with the players.”
He said he would remain with the club if proven innocent.
“Yes, if I am not guilty. It’s just an allegation but the problem is now they went over to the media and talked about things they are not sure of.
“They were supposed to call me and get my side of the story or send me a letter before they even suspend me.”
Chippa United released a statement confirming Sikhakhane being placed on “special leave”.
The statement added that assistant coach Dan Malesela will step in as head coach in the interim.
It also confirmed the team’s next PSL match against Bloemfontein Celtic will be played in the Bay next Friday and not in East London.
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