Chilli Boys ready to bring the heat

CHIPPA United coach Kosta Papic cut a satisfied figure yesterday as he unveiled the names of the 32 players the club had signed for the season.

Papic has been running a trained eye over a number of players during various trials over the past few weeks and he has now settled on the players he feels will do the business for the Chilli Boys starting on Saturday evening against Platinum Stars.

The players, including former Kaizer Chiefs striker Lucky Khune, younger brother of Amakhosi goalkeeper Itumeleng, have been hard at work fine-tuning their skills ahead of the crucial and much-anticipated season opener.

Papic said he was pleased to have a squad of players ready to fight for a place in his starting lineup.

"I'm not planning anything special for Saturday's game except victory. It's a nice ground, a nice venue and I hope supporters come in large numbers. The team is more or less ready, not exactly 100% just yet but they have to be ready for this match."

Papic may add three more players to the squad but said they were waiting for the registration of possible international players.

"I hope all the players, especially the foreigners, will be registered before our first match but if not, it's not our fault because we have done everything necessary for their registration."

The coach said the pre-season camps in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg had gone smoothly and also presented him with an opportunity to give all the players a run.

"After we came back here we continued with training preparations without friendly matches and in my opinion we are going to be ready.

"We expect the stadium to be full like the previous match. We need that support, that 12th player, on our side and we are not going to disappoint anyone."

He said the team's aim was to fight for the three points and if the players enjoy the full support of the fans that could become a reality.

United captain Andile Mbenyane said the players were primed after a good pre-season.

He said the new players adopted the formation of the team quickly and were combining very well.

"Everyone is pushing to be in the coach's starting lineup."

He said the Chilli Boys were ready to punish Platinum Stars at Chippa's brand new venue.

United's newly-signed Mbuyiselo Sambu could make his debut this weekend after parting ways with Free State Stars.

The Eastern Cape-born defender is delighted to be back home and he was looking forward to the vibe of support from the home fans.

"I grew up in Peddie near Grahamstown and that is where my football started."

The squad is:

Goalkeepers: Tsepo Motsoneng, Velile Motha, Mbongeni Mzimela, Fatau Dauda

Defenders: Christopher Komane, James Okwoaso, Eric Chipeta, Mbuyiselo Sambu, Bheki Nzunga, Jabulani Nene, Gert Barends, Siyabonga Zulu, Thabo Maselwa, Siphesihle Stuurman, Mpho Mvelase

Midfielders: Manti Moholo, Buyani Sali, Joseph Molongoane, Enva Wiltwer, Bafana Sibeko, Siyabonga Dubula, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Ugonna Uzochukwu, Siyabulela Shai, Andile Mbenyane, Mxolisi Ntshingila, William Twala

Strikers: David Zulu, Mhlengi Cele, Lucky Khune, Edward Manqele, Theo Tsawoseb. - Mthetho Ndoni