Usuthu won't be a walkover for Chilli Boys

CHIPPA United are keen to return to their Premier League campaign with a bang after being knocked out of the Telkom Challenge cup by Platinum Stars a fortnight ago.

The Port Elizabeth-based side will clash with AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 6pm.

The Chilli Boys are on a high after notching two successive league victories, defeating Moroka Swallows away and Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

But they cannot afford to underestimate Usuthu, who have been struggling in their campaign.

Chippa United are placed seventh on the Premiership log with 10 points from seven games, while the Durban outfit are sitting at the bottom with only three points from the same number of games.

The last time Chippa United and AmaZulu met in competitive clashes was in 2012-13 when the sides played to a 1-1 draw in Cape Town and the Chilli Boys won 2-1 in their second encounter in Durban.

Chippa United communications manager Lukhanyo Mzinzi said the team was settled and showing signs of maturity and seriousness.

"They are in a dangerous position on the log and are desperate to move away from there. This could make them a tough nut to crack.

"But they will find us in a mean mood because we are eyeing a top eight position and no opposition side will bring us down to earth.

"We've vowed as a team not to be relegation material this time around. We were not promoted to the country's top- flight football league to add to the numbers," Mzinzi said.

He said coach Roger Sikhakhane was pleased with the return of captain Andile Mbenyane from injury.

Striker Mbenyane has been battling with a niggling toe injury he sustained during their 1-1 draw against Ajax Cape Town in August.

"The injury was not serious, but his big toe gets sore every time he kicks the ball." The toe is not broken, however.

Mzinzi said the skipper would be available for selection for the match against Usuthu provided he no longer felt pain. - Mthetho Ndoni