The day-to-day running of Chippa United has been taken over by the management company that runs the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with two former top rugby administrators at the head of the project.

Both Songezo Nayo and Rian Oberholzer are former managing directors of SA Rugby and will now be directing the administration of the Premier Soccer League outfit, it was confirmed yesterday.

Siviwe "Chippa" Mpengesi remains owner and chairman, but many of his previous staff are likely to be laid off as the belt is tightened at a club where there are reportedly financial problems.

Several officials and players have confirmed that they are owed wages and/or signing on fees going back several months, despite Chippa moving from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth with an inducement of a healthy grant from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

Access Facilities and Leisure Management will now step in to help over an initial three month period while the club fights against potential relegation after going 11 league matches without a win.

"We will be assisting only with the operational side of the club on a day-to-day basis," confirmed Access chief executive officer Chantal du Pisani yesterday.

"We'll not be involved in soccer matters but instead looking at the legal, financial and administrative control and things that may have been neglected ..." she added.