Luc Eymael, the Belgian coach who had a brief stint at AFC Leopards, finds himself in a distressing situation after being dismissed by South African club Chippa United. The 65-year-old, who was appointed to rescue the club from relegation, was let go after a short period, along with his assistant coach Sly Mosala and technical director Morgan Mammila.
Eymael’s departure from Chippa United was part of a larger shake-up at the club, with Eymael becoming the second manager to be sacked this season. However, the real drama has unfolded since his firing, as he is still stuck in Gqeberha, South Africa, with no clear solution to his plight. According to reports, the club has failed to pay Eymael his outstanding salary and has not provided him with a flight back to Belgium, leaving him stranded in a foreign country.
The financial issues go beyond Eymael, with Mosala and Mammila also reportedly facing similar problems. Mosala spent weeks in Gqeberha without salary or accommodation, and Mammila is said to be owed two months’ pay. The situation has raised serious concerns about the club’s handling of its contractual obligations and its treatment of former staff members.
Eymael is no stranger to controversy, having had a turbulent coaching career across Africa. His time in Tanzania with Yanga SC was marred by accusations of racism, leading to his dismissal and a subsequent ban. Despite this, Eymael continued his coaching career, managing various clubs across the continent, including Free State Stars, Polokwane City, and Black Leopards. His latest stint at Chippa United only adds to his reputation as a coach with a string of fiery exits.
Chippa United, known for its instability and frequent managerial changes, has not commented on the situation, and attempts to reach club officials have been unsuccessful. Eymael and Mosala have refrained from commenting publicly, referring all inquiries to the club’s management. With no resolution in sight, the former coach remains stranded, desperately seeking his unpaid dues and a way back home.
This ongoing saga highlights the struggles that many African football coaches face when working with financially unstable clubs. The situation for Eymael and his former colleagues serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that coaches and staff can encounter in the ever-changing landscape of African football.
