Francis takes the hot seat at Chippa

Cape Town - Duran Francis could not contain his excitement as he was appointed as caretaker head coach of Chippa United.

Francis, who has plenty of experience of playing in the PSL with Ajax Cape Town and Santos, will temporarily take over the reigns from Clinton Larsen, who was sacked from his post with the Chilli Boys on Monday.

The appointment is extra special for Francis as he is born and bred in Port Elizabeth and will make the step up after being in charge of Chippa's ABC Motsepe League side Peace Makers.

Francis said, in quotes published by the Herald: "I remember way back in 2010 I did an interview with The Herald and I told the reporter one of my aims was to coach in the PSL in Port Elizabeth because I am a local boy and I grew up here.

"As an ex-player who played ,here, I know what it means to the people to have a professional team in PE.

"For me, now it’s very exciting times - it's a dream come true and I am looking forward to that.

"It's difficult to get such an opportunity when you are a young coach. It’s everyone’s dream to coach in the highest league and I am no different.

"As coaches that is what we work towards. As caretaker, there is less pressure to think about what to do next.

"All I need to do is to keep the best interest of the club at heart and by doing so I need to bring in results. Once we get that right, then we will worry about everything else after that."

Francis' first game in charge will be at home at the Nelson Bay Stadium on Saturday when the Chilli Boys take on Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership clash.

- TeamTalk Media