Obakhe Tshaya, a 23-year-old midfielder from Mthatha, has joined Chippa United after an impressive campaign with Hope FC in the ABC Motsepe League. He described playing in the Betway Premiership as a dream come true for his community. Tshaya temporarily paused his biomedical science degree at UNISA to focus on cementing a place in the Chippa United squad. His move to the top flight is an opportunity he is determined to make count.
Tshaya's performances for Hope FC at the 2026 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs caught the eye of Chippa United, earning him a move to the Chilli Boys at the start of the season. The chance to represent a club with strong Eastern Cape roots makes his move even more special. Tshaya said it feels like a dream come true to play top-flight football, particularly after working his way through the lower divisions. He believes having this opportunity to play at the highest level, in a bigger market, feels like a privilege.
The former Cape Town Spurs player said joining Chippa was something he had wanted, seeing the move as an important step in his football career and an opportunity to test himself at a higher level. However, he understands that making the move to a Premiership club is only the beginning. His immediate ambition is to settle into the team, continue improving, and work towards earning more playing opportunities.
Tshaya's main focus is to improve himself so he can get into the team and maybe play a few games. He wants to work hard, keep improving, and make sure that when he gets an opportunity, he is ready to take it. With the season still progressing, Tshaya believes there is enough time to develop and establish himself. He remains focused on making the most of his time at the club and contributing whenever he gets the opportunity.
Beyond football, Tshaya also has academic ambitions he hopes to return to in the future. He revealed that he was studying biomedical science through the University of SA but had put his studies on hold as he pursued his football career. Although completing his qualification remains one of his goals, he wants to give football his full attention for now and establish himself at Chippa United.
Chippa United recently gave themselves a timely confidence boost with an important 2-0 away victory over Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium. Goals from Harold Majadibodu and Imraan Jones secured all three points against Stellenbosch and gave Brandon Truter's side a positive response. The victory lifted Chippa to seventh position on the Betway Premiership log with 11 points from nine matches.
With the team now in a break from league action, Chippa will have an opportunity to regroup and build on the Stellenbosch result before facing Kaizer Chiefs in their next scheduled fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on November 28. Tshaya aims to make sure that when he gets an opportunity to play for the team, he is ready.
Key points
- Obakhe Tshaya joined Chippa United after an impressive campaign with Hope FC in the ABC Motsepe League.
- Tshaya put his biomedical science studies on hold to focus on his football career.
- Chippa United recently secured a 2-0 away victory over Stellenbosch, lifting them to seventh position on the Betway Premiership log.
