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Cape Town - Dan Malesela has threatened to resign as Chippa United head coach if his under-performing players continue to ignore his instructions.
The former Cape Town All Stars boss joined the Chilli boys in December initially as an interim coach following Roger Sikhakhane's controversial sacking, and impressed in his temporary role despite the off-the-field troubles surrounding the former Chippa coach's exit.
After being handed the job on a permanent basis, 'Dance' has guided the club to sixth in the Premiership standings only four points behind Mpumalanga Black Aces, who are in fourth spot with 36 points.
Despite their good form in the league, Maslesela was livid with his side's performance this weekend after they were knocked out in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup out by National First Division outfit Baroka FC - a result the coach labelled as embarrassing and not a 'reflection' of what was prepared during training.
"I said to my players afterwards that two things will happen: either you take instructions or I leave because I cannot coach people who don't want to be coached. If they don't want to be coached by me? Fine, let them find somebody who will coach them," the 46-year old told The Sowetan.
"That is my stance now and if nothing happens from them ... they should own up or I probably will be gone tomorrow, I'm not going to embarrass myself or take my reputation and my dignity and lower them. This is not a reflection of what we do in training."
Malesela bemoaned what he felt was a clear show of complacency from his players, while also voicing his displease at losing out on the chance to bring home some silverware this season.
"This was the only cup where we had a chance to get silverware. Really, with respect, I saw the players of Baroka just running all over [the field] like ants disturbed by a stick and dispersing in all directions.
"We are a professional side but just look at the sloppiness of our play compared to what we usually do. We've played against better sides and defended much better than we did. We've been very tight with opponents [in previous matches]. To be this loose was so bad."
