Chippa coach remains upbeat

Cape Town - Chippa United coach Roger Sikhakhane is unperturbed by his doubters as he continues to rebuild the club following some of the backward steps taken last season.

The 39-year-old did well to stabilise the Port Elizabeth-based outfit during the early stages of last season when they had relocated from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape.

But he was subsequently shipped out by owner Siviwe Mpengesi and replaced with Ernst Middendorp - a move that proved to be a massive failure as the Chilli Boys narrowly escaped relegation.

He has subsequently been brought back and has so far done a sterling job with the club placed ninth with almost a quarter of the season gone.

Sikhakhane insists he will continue to do his job and allow his critics to say or think whatever they wish.

"People have a right to think what they want," he said. "I am not here to prove any of them right or wrong.

"I am here to do a job the chairman and his board appointed me for.

"We need to make sure the team is sustainable and I am trying my best to ensure that is what happens."

Chippa face Mamelodi Sundowns in the opening round of the Telkom Knockout on Saturday night.