Sambu has been elevated from his assistant coach role to take charge following the departure of Dan Malesela who was placed on special leave last week after a disastrous league run this year.
Since winning againt Baroka in the first league match of the year Chippa haven’t tasted victory again in 11 games with six defeats and five draws – results that have led to them dropping to within two points of the bottom place.
“Yes, the pressure is mounting but then we just have to keep our heads up and manage the situation without having to push the panic buttons. Otherwise we won’t have the right minds to make sure that we get things right. But we really have to make sure that we get the results that we need so that we get out of the situation,” says Sambu.
Given the task of leading the team to the end of the season Sambu is aware of the kind of battle that they are now faced with.
“That [swimming] is the only option because if we cannot swim then we are going to sink. The only option now is that we swim to a safe place. Yes, we are thrown now to the deep end but like I said we need the cool heads to make sure that we get out of the situation. It can be done, there is nothing that is impossible. With the way we are playing if only we can get a few things right in terms of really making sure that we don’t concede goals the way we are conceding. But with the way that we are also playing we just have to make sure that we get the goals. Only if we can also work so hard in our defensive organisation I think we have a chance of getting out of this situation,” says Sambu who is hoping that his familiarity with the players gives him the edge in this mission.
“We sat with the management and the decision was taken that we finish the games that are remaining. My position is just to make sure that we keep things tight and make sure that we get the results that we need. I am the caretaker coach for now yes but I think it is because I understand the players as I have worked with coach Dan before. We are really looking forward to make sure that we get it right because having worked with the boys all along we understand what is ahead of us,” he adds.
Chippa’s last four games in the league are against Ajax Cape Town, Highlands Park, SuperSport United and Free State Stars.
