Chippa Explores Contracts with Former Royal AM Duo

Chippa United is on the verge of signing former Royal AM players Sisanda Mbhele and Bandile Dlamini.

The club is expected to unveil these players in the coming days as part of the new lineup, led by the recently appointed head coach, Sinethemba Badela.

Alongside Badela, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama will join the technical staff. They take over from Thabo September and Mabhuti Khenyeza, who previously served as head and assistant coaches, respectively, and departed the club after last season.

In addition to Mbhele and Dlamini, Chippa United is preparing to announce the signings of Justice Figareido and Somila Ntsundwana, both of whom ended their tenure with Richards Bay at the end of last season. Moreover, there are rumors suggesting that Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni, who are currently on loan from Orlando Pirates, may be making a switch to Chippa. The lack of Mosele and Tshobeni at Pirates’ pre-season training camp in Spain has fueled speculation about their potential transfers.

Mbhele was elevated to the senior squad of Royal AM during the 2023/24 season under coach John Maduka, following impressive performances in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). Due to a FIFA transfer ban affecting Royal AM’s DDC team, he quickly transitioned to the first team and participated in four matches for the now-defunct club.

According to the PSL draft, Chippa United will kick off their 2025/26 season against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday, 9 August.