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Cape Town - Following the appointment of Kostadin Papic as head coach for newly promoted PSL side Chippa United last week, the Chilli Boys’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Peter Koutroulis said their main mandate is to avoid relegation next season.
The Serbian took over the at the Mother City-based outfit following his departure from National First Division (NFD) side Black Leopards when the Thohoyandou-based side failed to gain promotion.
The Chilli Boys returned to the PSL after winning the 2013/14 edition of the NFD league.
Chippa’s NFD triumph gave them automatic qualification into the top flight, leaving Milano United and Lidoda Duvha fighting it out in the promotion/relegation playoffs alongside Polokwane City.
Rise and Shine reclaimed their PSL status from the resulting playoffs.
In an exclusive interview with Sport24 on Friday, Koutroulis explained the duration of Papic’s contract as well as his mandate.
“Papic will be in charge of our team on a two-year contract,” said Koutroulis.
“Our main mandate is to save the club from relegation at the end of the season.
“We want to compete in the PSL for at least two consecutive seasons.
“If we finish the season in 10th spot or inside the Top 8, it would be a bonus for us.
“We are just focusing on staying up for now.”
Despite Chippa rumoured to be chasing the signature of outgoing Platinum Stars defender, Benson Mhlongo, Koutroulis said they are currently not recruiting players as they are still on holiday and there were no talks between Chippa and the veteran defender.
“There are no new players signed at the moment.
“Everyone is still on holidays.
“We are waiting for the coach and the players to return to our camp on June 23.
“After that, then we will take it from there,” added Koutroulis.
The Serbian took over the at the Mother City-based outfit following his departure from National First Division (NFD) side Black Leopards when the Thohoyandou-based side failed to gain promotion.
The Chilli Boys returned to the PSL after winning the 2013/14 edition of the NFD league.
Chippa’s NFD triumph gave them automatic qualification into the top flight, leaving Milano United and Lidoda Duvha fighting it out in the promotion/relegation playoffs alongside Polokwane City.
Rise and Shine reclaimed their PSL status from the resulting playoffs.
In an exclusive interview with Sport24 on Friday, Koutroulis explained the duration of Papic’s contract as well as his mandate.
“Papic will be in charge of our team on a two-year contract,” said Koutroulis.
“Our main mandate is to save the club from relegation at the end of the season.
“We want to compete in the PSL for at least two consecutive seasons.
“If we finish the season in 10th spot or inside the Top 8, it would be a bonus for us.
“We are just focusing on staying up for now.”
Despite Chippa rumoured to be chasing the signature of outgoing Platinum Stars defender, Benson Mhlongo, Koutroulis said they are currently not recruiting players as they are still on holiday and there were no talks between Chippa and the veteran defender.
“There are no new players signed at the moment.
“Everyone is still on holidays.
“We are waiting for the coach and the players to return to our camp on June 23.
“After that, then we will take it from there,” added Koutroulis.
