Sikhakhane confident Chippa can beat Wits
CHIPPA United caretaker coach Roger Sikhakhane is confident his side will emerge victorious when they take on Bidvest Wits tonight at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
He said he had no doubt his troops would put up a great fight against the well organised and highly tactical Wits.
After taking the reins from Kosta Papic, Sikhakhane is yet to lose a game in four outings – this after engineering a shock home victory over Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and a draw with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Chippa will go into this one in confident mode, with their opponents' form not having been that great after a humiliating home loss to Polokwane City.
The Chilli Boys are eighth on the Premier League log, with 14 points from nine games.
A win tonight may lift them up to third spot, depending on other results. Sikhakhane said there was no option [but] winning.
"The team is looking good and we've had enough time to prepare for this one, starting last week," he said.
"We are playing at home but will not [make] the mistake of underestimating Wits, who are a well-organised and tactical team. They are one spot above us on the log and will surely want to avoid a beating, which would automatically put them below us.
"But I trust my troops. They are real soldiers who will ensure our winning streak remains."
Sikhakhane said all players were available for selection with the exception of Thamsanqa Sangweni, who was red-carded in their previous game against his former club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Although his absence will be felt in the middle of the park, the coach said: "Yes, Sangweni is a key player, most especially as the hard man doing the dirty job in the middle field, but there are players capable of getting the job done when he is out."
The Port Elizabeth side will be bolstered by the return of long-time captain Andile Mbenyane, who has been out for two months owing to a knee injury, and their newest recruit, Edward Manqele.
With the duo available for selection, Sikhakhane will be spoilt for choice as to who will partner with David Zulu in his striking force.
When Zulu played up-front alongside Mbenyane, before Mbenyane's injury, the two combined well and it is likely Sikhakhane will give them the nod.
The coach refused to reveal his choice, saying: "It will be the best attacking combination for the game, that is all I can tell you for now.
"But I can tell you all players are fit and ready for war."
Chippa will then visit Bloemfontein Celtic on November 23, a day after Wits welcome Free State Stars to Bidvest Stadium. - Mawande Mvumvu
