South African Premier Soccer League outfit Chippa United on Thursday reversed the decision to appoint Luc Eymael as their new head coach.
Following a public outcry over the Belgian gaffer’s appointment, the club decided to withdraw their decision and have hence began the search for a new head coach to replace Lehlohonolo Seema.
Eymael was accused of racial tirade which went viral during his time as coach of Tanzanian side Yanga earlier this year.
“The club would like to formally announce that it has withdrawn the appointment of Belgian, Luc Eymael,” Chippa said in a statement on Thursday. “When processes are complete, a new coaching announcement will be made in due course.
“After having announced Mr Eymael’s appointment until the end of the season on Wednesday, 23 December 2020 – the club has considered public outrage.
“There was also the reputational damage caused to our brand; and that of our stakeholders, partners as well as our sponsors.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “We would like to clarify that the initial decision to make this appointment was based on Mr Eymael’s coaching track record, where we felt he was the best person to take the club towards our desired top-half finish in this DStv Premiership season. [/perfectpullquote]
“Outside of the written reports, there was no formal instruction – to us or to any other team- to not employ Mr Eymael.
“However, as the Pride of Eastern Cape, we represent the legacies of world-renowned anti-discrimination heroes that come from our Province.
“The Chilli Boys play an influential role in our surrounding communities through football and through our philanthropic work. We have people that look up to us and on the responsible decisions that we take.
“Our withdrawal of this appointment is an acknowledgement of our stance on such matters, with the club also having fully informed Mr Eymael and his representatives on our position.”
The Chilli Boys had announced on Wednesday the appointment of Luc Eymael following the sacking of Lehlohonolo Simon Seema after a dreadful series of poor results.
Seema was appointed as Chippa United coach in July replacing Rhulani Mokwena who left the club after the lapse of his loan deal from Orlando Pirates.
