Interim coach Morgan Mammila has revealed all on his journey from starting out as a taxi owner, to a career as a police officer to the surprise pivot to the managerial helm of Chippa United.
Mammila has seen a meteoric rise after guiding the Chilli Boys to a 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday's DStv Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Alongside being a taxi owner and police officer, Mammila also served as a club owner in the lower divisions. "When I was a police officer in Johannesburg, I bought the status of an SAB League team," Mammila said.
Read: Chippa stun resurgent Chiefs in Durban
"I was a taxi owner, and I took the little money I was earning as a policeman to run the team with the taxis with my grandmother at home.
"She was looking after the team and the taxis while also supporting us.
"That's when the Baroka chairman noticed me and my team and offered to join his team.
"I said no I can't come and work for you when you are playing in the ABC Motsepe League.
"My grandmother was always encouraging me by saying that she saw something in me. The rest was history.
"The Baroka chairman was persistent and I agreed to work at the club part-time, then he persuaded me to leave SAPS.
"You know it was a difficult decision going from working for the government where there are benefits, to working for a football club.
"Where they could just tell you to pack your bags and you go home, but because I had a gut feeling I decided to quit and that's where I am now.
Chippa United are set to continue its fairy tale when they host Sekhukhune United in Durban on Tuesday.
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