GIOVANNI Trapattoni once said, referring to former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, that the coach of the Italian national team was like a condemned man who didn't know the date of his own execution.

That has been the story of Roger Sikhakhane's involvement with Chippa United and indeed most of the other coaches who have gone to bed with capricious owner Chippa Mpengesi.

Sikhakhane brought the Chilli Boyz up from the lower divisions for the first time in 2012 but was replaced by countless other coaches.

But after leading United to their fourth win in five matches since taking over from Kosta Papic - and second spot in the Absa Premiership - caretaker Sikhakhane may be granted a stay of execution.

Chippa beat Bidvest Wits 2-1 on Wednesday, adding Gavin Hunt's Students to the list of big-name scalps that includes Orlando Pirates. Mhlengi Cele scored the winner at the death.

"It has helped a lot to be in an environment that I'm used to," Sikhakhane said.

"That said, I have to take every game seriously.

"I'm not worried about [the shadow] of big-name coaches being linked with the club."

Mpengesi said last month that he would give Sikhakhane until the end of the first half of the season and if they were still in the top eight he would take the relationship with the caretaker coach to the next level.