Lentjies Opens Up On Relationship With Mpengesi

Chippa United returnee coach Kurt Lentjies has opened up on his relationship with club chairman Siviwe Mpengesi, describing him a father-like figure.

Lentjies is back at Chippa after he was let go at the end of last season. This came as a surprise to many after he was found guilty by an independent company to have brought the club in disrepute, sending expletive messages, which was revealed by chairman Mpengesi in October.

“He chose to ridicule and swear at us, send all those unnecessary messages and the club conducted a disciplinary action against him,” said Mpengesi to iDiski Times at the time.

“It is the one matter that I can confirm that the club has parted ways with him. He lost the DRC that was conducted by an independent person because of his conduct.”

The 38-year-old was first given the caretaker role in November 2021 following the departure of Gavin Hunt, leading the club to safety and finishing in a notable 14th spot on the table.

As Chippa were conducting interviews during the off season, they appointed Klate on 11 July, but he didn’t last long and was relieved of his duties in September after just seven matches in charge.

With Klate gone, there was thought that Lentjies was going to come back since he was still part of the club’s payroll, but Mpengesi instead opted for Morgan Mammila.

Lentjies then returned to replace the outspoken Mammila, and was now asked about his relationship with the chairman following the way he departed the club before.     

“I wouldn’t say what I’ve done [was] because my achievement was to save the team from relegation last season,” said Lentjies.

“He’s like my father and I’m the son and we have a good understanding.”

When he was that his statement sounds very tricky to believe, Lentjies poured cold water in the past, saying that is how relationships are in general.

“Families are very tricky,” he said, leaving journalists laughing.

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Lentjies, since he was appointed last month, has won one of the two matches in charge. Chippa were initially defeated 2-0 by Usuthu in the league early last month, before beating Mpheni Home Defenders in the Nedbank Cup last-16.      

They visit Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (15:30), looking to prevent three successive league losses on the bounce.