Luc Eymael, the head coach of Chippa United, recently compared the level of South African football to that of Europe, stating that « South Africa is the Europe of Africa. » According to him, this statement highlights the growing quality of play in the Betway Premiership, South Africa’s top division, which is attracting increasing continental and international attention. Drawing on his European experience, Eymael sees a potential in this league comparable to the best leagues, despite the challenges his team has faced since the start of the season.
Since taking over, Luc Eymael has encountered a significant challenge with Chippa United, currently at the bottom of the standings after a difficult start to the season. The club has suffered several defeats, including a heavy 3-0 loss against Orlando Pirates, partly due to defensive errors that Eymael strongly criticized. He has called for tactical and mental retraining to reverse this trend, emphasizing that the potential is there but much work remains, especially on the winning mentality and collective cohesion.
The Betway Premiership, consisting of 16 clubs, is the showcase of South African football. It follows a calendar from August to May, with key stakes such as direct relegation for the last-placed team and playoffs for the 15th. The league attracts foreign players and coaches, contributing to its qualitative elevation and recognition on the continent. This dynamic perfectly aligns with Luc Eymael’s idea comparing the competition to a European championship, where technical and tactical levels tend to improve each season.
For Luc Eymael, overcoming the current difficulties at Chippa United requires profound changes in physical and mental preparation as well as recruiting more experienced players. He stresses the necessity of instilling a culture of winning, a sine qua non condition for success in such a competitive league as the Betway Premiership. His clear ambition is to make Chippa United a serious contender capable of competing with the best teams in the country, reflecting the rise of South African football on both the African and international stages.